Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Try This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe Tonight

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy smoked sausage pasta that promises pure culinary delight.

Hearty slices of savory sausage weave through tender noodles, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smoky flavor and velvety sauce.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Robust spices dance alongside the sausage, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

Weeknight meals never looked so delicious and inviting.

What Makes Smoked Sausage Pasta So Rich

  • Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combines smoky kielbasa, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned pasta for a satisfying and indulgent meal that everyone will love.
  • Versatile One-Skillet Dish: Minimal dishes to clean up, with a simple cooking process that lets you go from ingredients to table-ready meal in just a few simple steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Option: Perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings where you want something tasty and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients in Creamy Sausage Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A smoky and flavorful Polish sausage that adds richness to the dish.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and smooth sauce.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the perfect base for this hearty meal.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Tangy base for the creamy sauce that adds depth of flavor.
  • Butter: Provides a rich and smooth foundation for the sauce.
  • Garlic, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and flavorful seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
Garnish:
  • Dried Parsley: A green sprinkle that adds a fresh touch to the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Sausage

Grab your kielbasa and slice it into delightful little rounds.

These golden discs will bring amazing flavor to your pasta adventure.

Select a sharp knife and make quick, even cuts to create perfect bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the sausage rounds and let them dance and sizzle.

Cook until each piece develops a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, creating irresistible caramelized edges.

Once beautifully browned, transfer the sausage to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in butter and let it melt smoothly.

Add minced garlic and watch it become wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in your creamy ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together and let the sauce simmer, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to thicken beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Perfect Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside, ready to absorb all the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand gets luxuriously coated.

Return those golden sausage pieces back into the skillet, mixing everything into a harmonious dish.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while steaming hot and enjoy your incredible pasta creation!

Cooking Tips for Sausage Pasta

  • Brown kielbasa thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized edges and enhance overall taste profile.
  • Simmer sauce gently and stir constantly to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without breaking.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
  • Swap kielbasa with chicken or turkey sausage for lighter protein options, or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
  • Chop ingredients and measure seasonings beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Store and Reheat Sausage Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings for Smoked Sausage Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the smoky sausage flavors.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic Italian baguette to soak up the rich, creamy tomato sauce and add delightful texture contrast.
  • Green Salad Balance: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh counterpoint to the hearty pasta dish.
  • Bold Red Wine Option: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Barbera to stand up to the smoky kielbasa and enhance the overall robust flavor profile of the meal.

Pasta with Sausage Recipe Styles

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegan cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or shrimp instead of kielbasa. Increase protein content while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce's flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the sauce's delicious taste intact.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille or chorizo for a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to increase the heat level.

  • Do I need fresh Parmesan cheese or can I use pre-grated?

While fresh Parmesan provides the best flavor, pre-grated cheese will work in this recipe. Just avoid the powdered kind in the green container.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the kielbasa with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a similar texture and flavor.

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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy smoked sausage pasta delivers a comforting symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Robust Italian sausage mingles with silky sauce, creating a quick weeknight dinner perfect for pasta enthusiasts seeking hearty satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1/2 ounce (14 grams) package of kielbasa, sliced into rounds

Carbohydrates:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) box of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 (8 ounces) (226 grams) cans tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice kielbasa into delicate rounds, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
  2. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, transforming kielbasa slices to a rich golden-brown hue, developing deep caramelized edges. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate.
  3. Reduce skillet heat, melt butter until it shimmers with a soft golden glow. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the butter for approximately 60 seconds.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the fragrant butter, followed by tomato sauce and paste. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious base. Incorporate Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring consistently.
  5. Allow sauce to gently simmer, watching it gradually thicken and develop a velvety texture. This process typically requires 5-7 minutes of patient attention.
  6. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot according to package guidelines, aiming for a perfectly tender al dente consistency. Drain pasta thoroughly.
  7. Reunite pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Reintroduce the caramelized kielbasa, gently folding ingredients together.
  8. Conclude by delicately sprinkling dried parsley across the dish, adding a subtle herbaceous flourish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Select high-quality kielbasa with rich smoky flavor for maximum taste impact.
  • Toast the sausage slowly to develop deep caramelized edges and enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Consider reducing heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Experiment with spicy Italian sausage or chorizo to create exciting flavor variations and add extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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