Smoked Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly quick, easy, and versatile. The smoky flavor of the sausage pairs beautifully with creamy or tomato-based sauces, and it all comes together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. It’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille)
• Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in cooked pasta, cheese, and reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use spicy andouille sausage for a bolder kick.
• Swap the heavy cream for cream cheese or sour cream for a tangier sauce.
• Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more vegetables.
• Try it with a tomato-based sauce instead of cream for a lighter option.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

What type of smoked sausage should I use?

Kielbasa, andouille, or any fully cooked smoked sausage will work great.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s easy to prepare in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. You can adjust the heat to your preference.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half or evaporated milk are good alternatives.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta hold the sauce well.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.

Is this a one-pot meal?

You can cook the pasta separately or use one pan by simmering the pasta in the sauce with extra broth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute with a non-dairy cream and omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a little more cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s not ideal due to the creamy sauce, which may separate after thawing, but it can be done if needed.

Conclusion

Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers a hearty, delicious solution with minimal fuss. Try it once and it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Smoked Sausage Pasta

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Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

1. 12 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced
2. 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
3. 1 tbsp olive oil
4. 1 small onion, diced
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
7. 1/2 cup chicken broth
8. 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
9. 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
10. 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
11. 1/4 tsp black pepper
12. 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13. Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Mix until combined and the cheese is melted.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

1. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
2. For added veggies, toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
3. Spicy andouille sausage adds extra heat and flavor.
4. Sour cream or cream cheese can be substituted for heavy cream.
5. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg