If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying dish, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. The perfect blend of smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors that’ll have you planning your next plate before you finish the first one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture of this dish. From the hearty smoked sausage to the velvety Parmesan cream, every component brings something special to the table.
- 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta: Penne’s tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the sausage and adding subtle richness.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced: The star protein that delivers smoky, savory depth.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a mild aromatic flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an irresistible fragrant punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, creamy base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce just right.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a salty, cheesy richness that defines the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy note that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle warmth and gorgeous color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne or favorite pasta just until al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it well but don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be the secret weapon to loosen your sauce if it ever gets too thick.
Step 2: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and let it brown for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds the smoky, caramelized flavor that makes the dish so irresistible. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside to keep the skillet ready for the next stage.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—this will release its wonderful aroma that signals tasty things are coming your way.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the onions and garlic, giving everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly, creating a silky base that clings beautifully to pasta and sausage alike.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce further, while the thyme and paprika introduce subtle complexity. Adjust the seasoning to your taste—it’s the part where you truly make this recipe your own.
Step 6: Combine Sausage and Pasta
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the sauce evenly coats every bite. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your creamy smoked sausage pasta hot, topped generously with freshly chopped parsley. This little pop of green doesn’t just add a beautiful contrast but also a fresh brightness that complements the rich flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. For a little extra, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or additional Parmesan cheese if you want to amp up the flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch of these sides balance the richness of the cream sauce perfectly, rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or pretty shallow bowls for an inviting, rustic feel. You can also top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and use it within 2 months for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm your pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. This helps restore the creamy consistency, making your leftovers just as delicious as the fresh dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with kielbasa, chorizo, or even Italian sausage depending on your taste preferences. Just brown it well to bring out the best flavor.
Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce fat content. The sauce will be less rich but still creamy and comforting.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne is ideal because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce nicely, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle can work beautifully here. Just cook to al dente to maintain some bite.
Can I prepare parts of this in advance?
Definitely. You can slice and brown the sausage a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also chop your onions and garlic ahead of time to save on prep when you’re ready to cook.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the onions or sprinkle extra chili powder into the sauce. Using a spicy smoked sausage will also amp up the kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, delicious, and satisfying every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor. So grab your pan and get ready to indulge in one of the most delightful pasta dishes you’ll ever taste!
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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender penne pasta with smoky sausage in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it features sautéed smoked sausage and onions simmered in a luscious cream and chicken broth mixture, seasoned with thyme and paprika. Garnished with fresh parsley, it offers a hearty, satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta
Protein
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices & Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine with the cooked onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the browned smoked sausage to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to combine well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the creamy smoked sausage pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use penne or any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; smoked sausage is already salty, so add salt gradually.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- To enhance smokiness, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
