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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 86 reviews

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining smoky, seared sausage with a luscious creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Cooked penne or rigatoni pasta holds the sauce beautifully, complemented by sautéed onions, garlic, and bell pepper for added sweetness and aroma. A hint of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes adds depth and mild heat, while fresh herbs and lemon zest brighten the final plate. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 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)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Lemon zest (optional)

Liquids and Dairy

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sear Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and sear until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Add Spices and Deglaze: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes into the skillet, toasting briefly to release their aromas. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently thicken for about 2 to 3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Finish Sauce and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast until melted and silky. Return the seared sausage to the pan and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
  7. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Red bell pepper and red pepper flakes are optional but add sweetness and a subtle kick respectively.
  • Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
  • Use smoked sausage varieties such as Polish kielbasa or Andouille for the signature smoky flavor.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten up the rich dish and add a fresh finish.

Keywords: smoked sausage pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, stovetop pasta, penne pasta recipe, sausage recipes, comforting pasta dishes

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/creamy-smoked-sausage-pasta-recipe/