Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – A Quick & Flavorful Dinner
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich, smoky, and comforting dish, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. With tender pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, this one-pot meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Sausage:
✅ 12 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
✅ 12 ounces smoked sausage (Kielbasa or Andouille), sliced
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ 3 garlic cloves, minced
✅ 1 small onion, diced
For the Creamy Sauce:
✅ 1 cup heavy cream
✅ 1 cup chicken broth
✅ ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
✅ ½ teaspoon paprika
✅ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing (Optional):
✅ Fresh parsley, chopped
✅ Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Aromatics2️⃣ Sauté the Smoked Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Onion & Garlic: In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
4️⃣ Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
5️⃣ Add Heavy Cream & Seasonings: Stir in heavy cream, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6️⃣ Melt the Parmesan Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a smooth, creamy texture.
7️⃣ Return the Sausage & Pasta: Add the cooked sausage and pasta back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
8️⃣ Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.
9️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving warm.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Smoked Sausage: Kielbasa, Andouille, or your favorite smoked sausage works best.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
- Let the Cheese Melt Slowly: Stir in Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping.
- Balance the Sauce: If it’s too thick, add more broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer.