Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and comforting dish, featuring smoky sausage, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s full of flavor, perfect for busy nights or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs to be loosened up.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can use any type of smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or andouille, depending on your flavor preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This pasta is great with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg