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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta dish with spiral noodles mixed in a rich cheese sauce, topped with browned smoked sausage slices, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is an easy one-skillet dinner that’s rich, smoky, and full of comforting flavor. Smoked sausage, garlic, and Parmesan come together in a creamy sauce that cooks right with the pasta—no draining needed. A 30-minute weeknight meal the whole family loves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Simmer Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 1 lb Smoked sausage or kielbasa - Sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 12 oz Pasta - Penne or rotini preferred
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil or butter - For browning sausage
  • 1 small Onion - Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic - Minced
  • 1½ cups Heavy cream - Can substitute half and half or cream cheese
  • 1½ cups Chicken broth - Low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - Adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika - Smoked or sweet
  • ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes - Optional for spice
  • Salt and pepper - To taste
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese - Stirred in at the end
Optional Vegetables:
  • 1 Red bell pepper - Diced; sauté with onion
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach - Stir in at the end
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes - Halved; add near the end
  • ½ cup Frozen peas - Add last few minutes of cooking
For Serving:
  • Extra Parmesan cheese - For topping
  • Fresh parsley - Chopped
  • Garlic bread - Optional side
  • Simple green salad - Optional side

Equipment

  • 1 Large deep skillet with lid (For simmering pasta and sauce together)
  • 1 Sharp knife (For slicing sausage)
  • 1 Cutting board (For prepping ingredients)
  • 1 Wooden Spoon (For stirring sauce and pasta)
  • 1 Measuring cups (For liquids and cheese)
  • 1 Cheese grater (If using block Parmesan)
  • Optional Garlic press (For mincing garlic)
  • Optional Tongs (For tossing pasta)
  • Optional Timer (To track simmer time)
  • Optional Splatter screen (Keeps stovetop cleaner)

Method
 

  1. Slice smoked sausage and brown in olive oil until edges are crispy and flavorful.
    Glazed smoked sausage slices in a pan with herbs and garlic, coated in a glossy sauce, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
  2. Cook diced onion in sausage drippings, then add minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir well, and add uncooked pasta directly into skillet.
  4. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in sausage and Parmesan, add vegetables if desired, and serve hot with extra cheese.
    Sliced smoked sausage pieces browned and served in a skillet with sautéed spinach, red bell peppers, and onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 400gCalories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 26gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 1150mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 2.3mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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