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If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta. This dish is the perfect blend of hearty and comforting, featuring smoky sausage, a rich, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. The smoked sausage provides a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy tomato sauce. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness, while the Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder round out the flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and complex.
Ingredients List
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kielbasa (Smoked Sausage) | 12 oz package |
| Box of Pasta | 16 oz |
| Butter | 2 TBSP |
| Minced Garlic | 2 TBSP |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1 cup (2) 8 oz cans |
| Tomato Sauce | 2 cans (8 oz each) |
| Tomato Paste | 3 TBSP |
| Shredded Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder | 1 tsp each |
| Salt and Pepper | 1/2 tsp each |
| Dried Parsley | For garnish |
Helpful Tools
To make this recipe as easy and efficient as possible, here are three essential tools you’ll need:
1. Large Pot: For boiling the pasta and combining all the ingredients.
2. Skillet or Frying Pan: For browning the kielbasa.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and combining everything evenly.
Pro-Tips
Here are five pro-tips to help you achieve the perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:
- 1. Brown the Sausage First: Browning the kielbasa before adding it to the sauce adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- 2. Use Freshly Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- 3. Simmer the Sauce: Letting the sauce simmer for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 4. Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little of the pasta cooking water.
- 5. Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more Parmesan to the sauce for an even richer flavor. For more delicious ideas, check out this Easy Potato Noodles With Smoked Sausage recipe for a different take on sausage and pasta.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the box. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- 2. Brown the Kielbasa: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for at least a few minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Add the browned kielbasa back to the skillet and mix everything together.
- 5. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with more Parmesan cheese and dried parsley, if desired.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your tastes:
1. Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
3. Use Different Sausage: Try using a different type of smoked sausage or even Andouille for a Cajun twist.
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: Best Sausage Recipes
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate 30-minute comfort food. Savory kielbasa and tender pasta are cooked together in one pot with a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup!
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (16 oz) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
1 medium white onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh is best)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) mild diced tomatoes and green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
½ cup heavy cream
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta (about 2.5 cups)
1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 green onions (scallions), sliced for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and caramelized (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, the can of undrained tomatoes, and the heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the uncooked pasta and salt/pepper. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
7. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and the cooked sausage until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Spice Level: To make this spicy, use ‘Hot’ Rotel tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper/Cajun seasoning.
Pasta: Penne works best for holding the sauce, but rotini or bow ties are great substitutes.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of extra broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes; it thickens quickly as it cools.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQ
Here are three common questions about this recipe:
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Q: What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
A: Any type of pasta will work, but I recommend using a pasta with ridges, like penne or rotini, as it holds the sauce better.
Conclusion
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich, creamy sauce and hearty smoked sausage, it’s sure to become a family favorite. For more delicious ideas, follow me on My Pinterest