Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that comes together quickly and easily. The smoky flavor from the sausage pairs beautifully with a rich and creamy sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Here’s how to make it:
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Smoked Sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sausage:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Italian seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
- For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Tips:
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added color and nutrition. You can sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Sausage Variations: If you prefer a spicier dish, use andouille sausage for more heat, or opt for a milder sausage like Kielbasa for a more subtle smoky flavor.
- Lighter Option: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
- One-Pan Meal: For a true one-pan meal, you can cook the pasta directly in the skillet with the sauce. Just add enough water to cover the pasta, and cook it in the creamy sauce until it’s done.
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd. The smoky sausage and creamy sauce make each bite irresistible!
