Pasta dishes are always a hit, especially when they combine rich flavors with quick and easy preparation. If you love creamy sauces and savory smoked sausage, then this creamy smoked sausage pasta will quickly become your go-to recipe. It’s the perfect balance of hearty sausage, vibrant veggies, and a rich cream sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This dish offers an explosion of flavors, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. It brings together a blend of smoked sausage, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that complements the pasta perfectly. It’s not just flavorful; it’s also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal in no time. The addition of Italian seasoning and paprika enhances the taste, giving it a unique flavor profile that will satisfy your cravings for something comforting yet sophisticated.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of how to make this creamy smoked sausage pasta, including all the ingredients, step-by-step directions, and some frequently asked questions to guide you through the cooking process.
Ingredients with Quantities
Before jumping into the preparation method, let’s first take a look at the ingredients you will need to make this creamy smoked sausage pasta. The ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor, making it easy to prepare a delicious dish from scratch.
- 12 oz penne pasta – Penne pasta is ideal for this creamy dish, but you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if you prefer.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Olive oil adds a rich, slightly fruity flavor that’s perfect for sautéing.
- 14 oz smoked sausage – Smoked sausage provides a savory, smoky flavor that elevates this pasta. You can use any smoked sausage you prefer.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a savory and aromatic base to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Heavy cream brings the richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce while balancing out the richness of the cream.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds saltiness and an umami flavor that makes the sauce even more irresistible.
- 1 tsp paprika – Paprika brings a mild heat and smokiness that complements the sausage.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and a slight tang to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – Spinach adds a healthy green element and a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – These simple seasonings help bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) – Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an additional layer of freshness.
Directions and Preparation Method
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to prepare this creamy smoked sausage pasta.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Typically, this will take around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it for about 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes browned and crispy on the edges. The sausage will release a lot of flavors, infusing the oil. Once it’s done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Veggies
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Once the garlic is softened, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Then, toss in the spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down and reduced in volume.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning, continuing to cook and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and sausage are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is combined, serve the pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your creamy smoked sausage pasta while it’s hot and comforting!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked sausage with other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage. Just ensure that the sausage is cooked through before adding it to the pasta.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
3. Can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish a bit lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option. You could also use turkey or chicken sausage instead of the smoked sausage for a leaner alternative.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this creamy smoked sausage pasta can be frozen. However, keep in mind that the cream sauce may change in texture once frozen and reheated. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra cream or broth to help loosen the sauce.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional flavor and texture. Just sauté them along with the garlic and tomatoes.
Conclusion
This creamy smoked sausage pasta is a wonderful dish that combines comforting flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of smokiness from the sausage. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or experiment with adding new vegetables or spices, this recipe is sure to please. It’s a fantastic choice for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying but still packed with flavor. With only a handful of ingredients and just 30 minutes to prepare, this pasta is a meal that everyone will love. So grab your skillet, cook up this delicious pasta, and enjoy a cozy, creamy meal!