If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in 30 minutes, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice! Featuring savory smoked sausage, penne pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, this dish is a hearty, satisfying, and effortless weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re craving a quick and easy dinner, a comforting pasta meal, or a delicious sausage pasta recipe, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich & creamy – The garlic parmesan sauce is ultra-indulgent.
- Savory smoked sausage – Adds a delicious smoky depth of flavor.
- Versatile & customizable – Works with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you love.
Ingredients Needed
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large skillet or pan
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Smoked Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and smoked sausage to the creamy sauce.
- Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Use high-quality smoked sausage – Kielbasa, andouille, or Polish sausage work best.
- Don’t skip the pasta water – It helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Add extra veggies – Try spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a nutritious boost.
- Use different cheeses – Gouda, cheddar, or Gruyère can enhance the creamy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy kick.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option.
- One-Pot Sausage Pasta – Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup!
- Garlic Butter Kielbasa Pasta – Swap the smoked sausage for kielbasa and add extra garlic butter.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta dish pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread – For scooping up the delicious sauce.
- Side salad – A light, fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (without the cream, as dairy can separate).
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
- Adding cheese too early – Let the sauce cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Skipping the seasoning – Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic add depth to the dish.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta all work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and skip the cheese.
What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even turkey sausage are all great options.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and store it separately. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick, easy, and comforting meal perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or a pasta-loving gathering, this dish is sure to impress!
If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy pasta dinner recipes!
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta : Quick & Comfort Meal!
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in 30 minutes, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice
- Large skillet or pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 12 oz 340g penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz 340g smoked sausage (or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 1 cup 240ml chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup 120g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Smoked Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and smoked sausage to the creamy sauce.
- Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Use high-quality smoked sausage – Kielbasa, andouille, or Polish sausage work best.
Don’t skip the pasta water – It helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Add extra veggies – Try spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a nutritious boost.