Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – A Quick & Comforting One-Pan Meal
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect meal for you. Loaded with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this one-pan recipe is both easy and delicious—guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
- Creamy & Comforting – A rich Parmesan cream sauce coats every bite.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – A dish the whole family will love.
- Customizable – Use any pasta, add veggies, or swap the protein!
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
- Stir in onion and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the Pasta & Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
3. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Best Sides to Serve with Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and flavorful side.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – Adds a nutritious balance to the meal.
Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Use Your Favorite Sausage – Andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo work great!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook until just al dente to prevent mushy texture.
- For a Thicker Sauce – Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or let it simmer longer.
- Make It Spicy – Use hot smoked sausage and add more red pepper flakes.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swap Parmesan for Asiago or sharp cheddar for a twist.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rotini, bowtie, or even spaghetti all work great in this recipe.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille all add great flavor.
Can I make this lighter?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pasta and store it in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for busy days, this dish is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a one-pan comfort meal the whole family will love!
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – Easy Comfort Meal
Description
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect meal for you. Loaded with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this one-pan recipe is both easy and delicious—guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
- Stir in onion and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the Pasta & Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
3. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Notes
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and flavorful side.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – Adds a nutritious balance to the meal.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
