Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a hassle-free dinner.
- Rich & Creamy – A velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta.
- Savory Smoked Sausage – Adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- One-Pan Wonder – Cook everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Customizable – Add veggies, different cheeses, or spice for a unique twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Smoked sausage (sliced)
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Olive oil
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics – In the same pan, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce – Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a simmer.
- Melt the Cheese – Add Parmesan and cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Everything – Return the cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve & Garnish – Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Use spicy andouille sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Different Cheese – Try gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss for a new twist.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage ingredients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Andouille, kielbasa, or turkey sausage all work well.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
Add extra broth or milk if needed when reheating.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour to help thicken it.
How do I get a stronger smoky flavor?
Use smoked paprika or add a dash of liquid smoke.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits make a great addition.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook the sausage on sauté mode, add pasta and broth, then pressure cook for 5 minutes before stirring in the cream and cheese.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta hold the sauce well.
Conclusion
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this rich and creamy pasta is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home!
PrintCreamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish made in just 30 minutes! Tender pasta is coated in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce with smoky sausage and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Sausage:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
- ½ small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Smoked Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add onion. Cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
6. Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Use spicy andouille sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese.
- Extra Flavor: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick!
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.