Easy Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe That Wows Everyone

Whipping up a delightful smoked sausage pasta promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Comfort meets sophistication in this hearty dish packed with robust flavors.

Smoky notes weave through tender pasta strands, creating a symphony of textures.

Succulent sausage pieces nestle among creamy sauce, delivering a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Each forkful carries warmth and depth that speaks to classic home cooking.

Why Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Is a Comfort Favorite

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: A crowd-pleasing dish that combines smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without stress or complicated techniques.
• Quick Comfort Food Champion: Delivers rich, satisfying flavors in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy households craving a hearty and delicious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable by swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.

• Smoked Sausage: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious and velvety sauce that coats the pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that enriches the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and depth to the dish.

• Fresh Spinach: Brings a pop of color and nutritional boost to the creamy pasta.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the sausage and aromatics with a light, fruity undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab your penne and cook it according to the package directions. Once tender, drain the pasta and set it aside for later magic.

Step 2: Brown Sausage Goodness

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in sliced smoked sausage and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Scoop out the sausage and keep it waiting.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatics

In the same skillet, dance your chopped onions and minced garlic around until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavors.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer gently. Watch as the liquid starts to bubble and blend.

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

• Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 6: Welcome Back Sausage and Greens

Return the sausage to the skillet and introduce fresh spinach.

Stir until the spinach softens and wilts into the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet.

Toss everything together so each pasta piece gets drenched in the luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

Sprinkle salt and pepper to your taste.

Give one final stir and serve this mouthwatering dish steaming hot.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Swap smoked sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish lean and flavorful.
• Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicier pasta dishes.
• Fresh spinach works best when added at the very end to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking.
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile without compromising the creamy texture.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this indulgent pasta recipe.

Variations of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta to Try

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to amplify heat and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Protein Power Version: Include grilled chicken breast or shrimp as an alternative protein source to smoked sausage, maintaining the creamy sauce's rich texture.

Pairings That Go Well with Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Syrah or Zinfandel to complement the smoky sausage and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's deep flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast against the pasta's creamy and hearty profile, balancing the meal's richness.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty sourdough bread with garlic butter to offer a crunchy side that helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds textural variety to the dining experience.

How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Properly

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.

Pack pasta in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach for best texture.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or extra cream. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, about 4-5 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild flavor from smoked paprika. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or use a spicier sausage variety.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for protein and texture.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently to help it thicken and become more luxurious.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Smoked Sausage Pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to kitchen tables. Savory sausage, rich cream, and perfectly al dente pasta create a quick, satisfying meal that will delight your palate with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Pasta and Base:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, searing smoked sausage slices until golden brown edges develop, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer and create a smooth base.
5. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, whisking continuously until the cheese melts completely and sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.
6. Reintroduce seared sausage to the skillet, then fold in fresh spinach leaves, stirring until greens wilt and become tender.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavors, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious pasta dish.
• Swap smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or grilled chicken for diverse dietary preferences and protein options.
• Reduce heavy cream calories by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt, maintaining creamy texture while cutting fat content.
• Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition, but frozen spinach works perfectly when fresh isn’t available, offering convenience without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg