Description
When you want a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and packs a punch of smoky flavor, Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is your ultimate go-to dish. Tender pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with smoky, savory sausage delivers indulgence in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
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12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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ook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add smoked sausage slices and cook until browned.
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Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the cream, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat well in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a smoked sausage with good fat content for flavor and moisture.
Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling.
Reserve some pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds depth of flavor.
Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Keywords: creamy pasta, smoked sausage pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, creamy sauce, sausage dinner