This Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal, loaded with smoky, savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. The combination of bold flavors from the sausage, the richness of the cream, and the sharpness of the cheese make this dish absolutely irresistible. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
This pasta is a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family or impressing dinner guests. With simple ingredients and a foolproof process, you’ll get a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-pan meal – Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup!
✅ Big, bold flavors – The smoked sausage adds richness, while the creamy sauce brings balance.
✅ Fast & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a stress-free dinner.
✅ Perfect for leftovers – This dish reheats beautifully!
✅ Customizable – You can tweak the flavors, spice levels, or even make it lighter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz smoked sausage – Sliced into rounds for bite-sized, smoky goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps the sausage brown beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because every great pasta dish needs garlic!
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Forms the base of the sauce and enhances the flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) – For that rich, velvety texture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – Adds a tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta – Holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – A touch of heat and spice.
Cheesy Finish:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish) – For a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Smoked Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Add uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute everything evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Goodness!
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan and mix everything together.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a crisp salad for the perfect meal!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Use the right pasta – Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best since it holds onto the sauce well. Avoid spaghetti or fettuccine for this dish.
Brown the sausage well – This enhances the smoky flavor and gives the dish a richer taste.
If you love creamy pasta, check out this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Recipe for another rich and indulgent dish.
Want a thicker sauce? Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving—it will absorb more liquid, making the sauce extra creamy.
Make it spicier! Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Balance the flavors – If the dish tastes too rich, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up!
For those who love slow-cooked meals, consider pairing this with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken for a smoky, barbecue-inspired dinner.
How to Serve
- With garlic bread , Because extra carbs are always a good idea!
- With a side salad , A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances out the richness.
- With a glass of white wine , Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Topped with extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper , For more flavor and a slight kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Simply cook and store in an airtight container.
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. (Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.)
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Variations & Substitutions
Make It Lighter:
- Use turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage.
- Swap half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount.
Make It Extra Cheesy:
- Add cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Mix in some mozzarella for an extra melty effect.
Spice It Up:
- Use spicy andouille sausage for a Cajun twist.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Tomato-Free Option:
- Skip the diced tomatoes and use a bit more broth and cream for a fully creamy version.
Add More Veggies:
- Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Want a different protein option? Our collection of Chicken Drumsticks Recipes offers more great meal ideas.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Try andouille, chorizo, kielbasa, or even plant-based sausage for a twist.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a little butter, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the sausage first, then add all ingredients except the cheese and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release, stir in cheese, and enjoy!
What can I serve with smoked sausage pasta?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted veggies all make great pairings!
Smoked Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Pasta Dish
- 12 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 8 oz pasta penne or your choice
- 2 cups chicken broth for cooking pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream for creaminess
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated, for extra flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder for extra seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika for smokiness
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked sausage slices until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and pasta to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with garlic powder and paprika, stirring well to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired!
Notes
Conclusion
This Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner , quick, easy, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you get a creamy, cheesy, and smoky dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re making it for a busy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a cozy homemade meal, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
The best part? It’s completely customizable you can switch up the sausage, tweak the spice level, or add your favorite veggies to make it your own. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest, most delicious pasta dishes you’ll ever make!
