Dinner

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Byluca Carter January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

Introduction

This creamy smoked sausage pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. The smoky kielbasa combined with a rich, cheesy sauce creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta as the bottom layer, showing a pale yellow color with a smooth texture. On top, slices of browned sausage are arranged evenly around the center, each piece showing a slightly crispy, juicy surface with a reddish-brown color. The dish is garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered over the pasta and sausage, along with a light sprinkling of black pepper. The bowl rests on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh parsley around it, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Polish kielbasa or Andouille)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece red bell pepper, diced (optional)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (substitute: full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sear until golden and slightly crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle in smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, toasting briefly to release their flavors. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream. Allow the sauce to gently thicken, about 2–3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan or nutritional yeast until melted and silky. Return the sausage to the pan and fold in the drained pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated and glossy. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using.
Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version that still feels rich.
Add diced tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables and color.
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with cooked penne pasta forms the base layer, light yellow with a creamy, smooth texture. On top sits a mound of melted cheese sauce, creamy white with a slightly shiny, soft texture. Scattered over the cheese are several thick, round slices of browned sausage, rich reddish-brown with specks of seasoning and a crispy outside. The dish is lightly sprinkled with fresh green parsley leaves and cracked black pepper, adding small spots of color and texture. The bowl sits on a dark brown wooden board against a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or any smoked sausage you prefer. Adjust seasoning accordingly if your sausage is already spicy.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Replace the smoked sausage with smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.