If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor yet quick to prepare, the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to impress your family or guests. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that combines the smokiness of sausage with a creamy, luscious sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 570
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Why Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is not only quick and simple, but it’s also highly versatile. You can easily adapt the ingredients to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. The creamy sauce, enriched with cheese and garlic, makes every bite a delight, while the smoked sausage adds a satisfying heartiness to the dish. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables if you decide to add some spinach or bell peppers.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 4-7 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and minced garlic until fully combined, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the chicken stock and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add the cooked smoked sausage, drained diced tomatoes, and pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and sausage are fully coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the top. Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy your creamy smoked sausage pasta!
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
For a complete meal, serve your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Garlic bread makes an excellent side for soaking up any leftover sauce, while a light vegetable medley can provide a nutritious contrast to the creamy pasta.
How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
When storing leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also freeze portions for up to three months; just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Opt for high-quality smoked sausage for richer flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream along with the half and half.
- Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta cooking water; it can help adjust the consistency of the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
- Adding fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can elevate the taste and presentation.
Delicious Variations of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sausage as it cooks.
- Incorporate cooked spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
- For a citrus twist, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
What type of smoked sausage is best for this recipe?
Any smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille, works well, but choose one you enjoy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I ensure my sauce is creamy?
Make sure to whisk the sauce thoroughly and gradually add the liquid to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
Conclusion
With its rich flavors and creamy texture, the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its quick preparation and customization options make it a go-to dish for any night of the week. Don’t wait—bite into this delightful pasta dish today!
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta or any pasta of your choice
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced kielbasa or andouille sausage work well
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tbsp salted butter for richness
- 2 tbsp flour to thicken the sauce
- 4-7 cloves garlic, minced to taste
- 3 cups half and half for creaminess
- 1 cup chicken stock can substitute with vegetable stock
- 1 tsp salt to season
- ½ tsp pepper to taste
- 1 tsp oregano for flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded for topping
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Preparing the Sausage and Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and minced garlic until fully combined, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the chicken stock and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combining the Ingredients
- Add the cooked smoked sausage, drained diced tomatoes, and pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and sausage are fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
