Description
This creamy smoked sausage pasta is the perfect comfort food! With savory smoked sausage, rich mozzarella cheese, and a velvety creamy sauce, it’s an easy and delicious dinner that’s ready in no time. A must-try for sausage lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Smoked Sausage:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
-
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer again. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
-
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
-
Toss with Pasta:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of smoked sausage you like, such as kielbasa or Andouille, for different flavor profiles.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy sausage pasta, smoked sausage pasta, easy pasta recipes, creamy pasta, sausage and cheese pasta, comforting pasta dinner