I love quick and satisfying meals, especially when they come together in one pan. This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is packed with rich flavors, combining smoky sausage, a velvety Parmesan-infused sauce, and tender pasta for the perfect bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is bold, creamy, and comforting—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The smoked sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic-infused creamy sauce. Paprika, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes enhance the overall taste, making every forkful irresistible.
Not only is this pasta delicious and satisfying, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re serving it to family or guests, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
The Perfect Balance of Creamy and Smoky
The magic of this pasta lies in the balance of flavors. The smokiness of the sausage, the richness of the Parmesan and cream, and the mild heat from the seasonings create a well-rounded dish that keeps you coming back for more. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor
Ingredients for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
To create this rich and flavorful Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together for the perfect balance of smokiness, creaminess, and spice.
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta – These shapes hold the creamy sauce well, making each bite delicious.
- 1 tablespoon salt – Added to boiling water to season the pasta from within.
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds – Adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used to brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Brings a delicious aromatic touch to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild warmth and enhances the smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat and extra kick.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Thickens the sauce and provides a touch of acidity.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Helps create the sauce and adds a savory base.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The key to a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Melts into the sauce, adding a salty, cheesy finish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances the overall flavor.
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds color and a fresh touch.
- Extra Parmesan cheese – Because more cheese is always a good idea!
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This one-pan creamy pasta is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Follow these simple steps to bring everything together in just 30 minutes.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and slightly crispy.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the spices are well distributed.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its depth of flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the browned sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the pasta hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How Long to Cook Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Cooking this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta doesn’t take long, making it a perfect 30-minute meal. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times:
- Boiling the Pasta – About 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Browning the Sausage – 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Sautéing the Aromatics – 4-5 minutes to soften the onions and develop flavor.
- Building the Sauce – 5-6 minutes for thickening and blending flavors.
- Combining Everything – 2-3 minutes to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, this pasta stores well and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Not recommended, as creamy sauces tend to separate after freezing.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
To ensure the best flavor and texture, follow these tips:
- Use High-Quality Sausage – A good smoked sausage adds richness and depth to the dish.
- Save Pasta Water – The reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor.
- Balance the Heat – If you enjoy spice, increase the red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, leave them out.
- Make it Extra Creamy – Add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
How to Customize This Recipe
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is already packed with flavor, but you can customize it to your taste:
- Add Vegetables – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
- Try Different Pasta – Swap penne for fettuccine, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta.
- Switch the Cheese – Use Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different cheesy finish.
- Make it Lighter – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – A Comforting One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish featuring smoky sausage, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and tender pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for busy nights!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
- Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet’s bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Return browned sausage and pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Plate the pasta hot and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Enjoy immediately
Notes
- Use different sausages – Try chicken, turkey, or beef sausage for variety.
- Adjust the spice level – Add or skip the red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce Parmesan slightly.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Yes! While smoked sausage provides a rich, deep flavor, you can substitute it with:
- Chicken sausage – A leaner option with great flavor.
- Turkey sausage – Lower in fat but still delicious.
- Beef sausage – Adds a hearty, meaty taste.
- Spicy sausage – For those who enjoy extra heat, try andouille or chorizo.
Each variety will bring a slightly different taste, so choose based on your preference!
2. Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version:
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Reduce the Parmesan cheese slightly.
- Choose a lean sausage to cut down on fat.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
These adjustments maintain the creamy texture while making the dish a bit lighter.
3. What Can I Serve With This Pasta?
This pasta is already rich and filling, but it pairs well with:
- Garlic bread – A classic side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Side salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness.
- Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch.
For a full meal, serve it with a light starter like bruschetta or roasted tomatoes.
4. How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker or Thinner?
- For a thicker sauce – Let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add more Parmesan.
- For a thinner sauce – Add a splash of reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or milk to loosen it