usage Pasta – A Rich & Flavorful Comfort Recipe
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful comfort dish combining smoky sausage, tender penne pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce made with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it delivers comforting textures and savory satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine the Sausage and Pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of this comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat.
- You can swap mozzarella cheese for parmesan or a blend of cheeses to change the flavor profile.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Creamy smoked sausage pasta, smoked sausage recipe, creamy pasta dish, penne pasta with sausage, comfort food, Italian-American pasta, easy weeknight dinner
