Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together quickly. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerator or pantry. I always keep beef kielbasa in the fridge for nights when I forget to take out the meat from the freezer. The comfort this food brings is unparalleled, especially with the flavorful smoked sausage that adds a delightful upgrade to the dish.
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: Your Weeknight Dinner Savior
Imagine a Tuesday night, frantically searching through the fridge, and stumbling upon this perfect meal. The seared rope of smoked sausage combined with heavy cream, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese creates a cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist. With a touch of Cajun seasoning, the wonderful flavor of this dish stands out. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or need to double the recipe for a larger gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, you will need a 12 oz package of Kielbasa and a 16 oz box of pasta. Start by melting 2 TBSP of butter in a pan and adding minced garlic. Pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and let it simmer. Next, add (2) 8 oz cans of tomato sauce and 3 TBSP of tomato paste for a rich base. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy touch.
Cooking Steps
Season the mixture with 1 tsp of Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and don’t forget 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper for taste. Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a fresh finish. This dish is simple yet flavorful, making it perfect for any night of the week. The combination of creamy sauce and smoked sausage provides a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Prep Kielbasa Pasta
When preparing Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, I start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the dish. I then cut the kielbasa into small rounds. After that, I measure out all the seasonings needed for the recipe. I prefer shredding my own Parmesan cheese from a big block, so I also get that prepped.
Make Smoked Sausage Pasta
Start by getting out a large skillet and heating it over medium high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet and cook until it is nicely browned. Once the smoked sausage is browned to your liking, remove it from the pan and set aside.
To make the sauce, add butter to the pan and let it melt. Then, add minced garlic, heavy cream, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Finally, drain the cooked pasta and combine it with the sauce. Stir well to make sure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta!
Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
When it’s time to serve, top the pasta with the cooked smoked sausage. For added flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. This delicious dish goes perfectly with a salad, green beans, or roasted broccoli.
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What Kind of Sausage to Use?
For making Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, I often use a fully cooked Ukrainian sausage. Smoked sausages come in different varieties, so feel free to choose your favorite. Just use your best judgement when it comes to draining the fat. Some sausages can be quite fatty and may release a lot of fat, so it’s a good idea to spoon it out of the pan if needed.
If you prefer, you can also use an uncooked Italian sausage for this recipe. Simply cook it by removing it from the casings and crumble it. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be a bit longer for uncooked sausages.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick and easy to make, coming together in just 30 minutes. With minimal ingredients that are usually found in your pantry or fridge, it’s very convenient and saves you a grocery run. The creamy, savory sauce mixed with hearty kielbasa and pasta makes it a comfort food classic that everyone will enjoy.
It’s also incredibly versatile and can be adapted with different types of pasta or sausage. Plus, it’s kid-friendly with its mild flavors and creamy texture, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is its versatility. You can mix things up by trying different sausages like kielbasa, Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a unique flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it a veggie-packed dish.
For those who love cheese variations, you can swap out the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different cheesy kick. If you want to spice it up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
For anyone with gluten-free needs, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with sensitivities. With these variations and substitutions, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it a truly versatile dish.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Adding corn to your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta can bring a touch of sweetness and extra flavor and color to the dish. Whether you use leftover grilled corn or canned corn, it adds a delightful twist. Feel free to swap it with any other veggie you have on hand. One important tip is softening the cream cheese before adding it to the recipe. This step helps it melt into the sauce faster, improving the timing of the entire recipe.
If you’re looking to change up the spice level, consider replacing the red pepper flakes with Cajun seasoning. Just make sure to use a low salt version since the sausage can be quite salty. Alternatively, you can leave out the red pepper flakes altogether if you prefer to avoid any heat. These small adjustments can make a big difference in enhancing the overall taste and experience of this dish.
Equipment
COOK TIME
Mint :30
Ingredients
To make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Gather Ingredients:
12 oz package of Kielbasa 🌭
16 oz box of pasta 🍝
2️⃣ Prepare the Base:
Melt 2 TBSP of butter 🧈 in a pan.
Add 2 TBSP of minced garlic 🧄 for flavor.
3️⃣ Create the Sauce:
Pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream 🥛 to create a rich base.
Add 2 8 oz cans of tomato sauce 🍅 and 3 TBSP of tomato paste 🍅 to give the dish its signature taste.
4️⃣ Add Finishing Touches:
Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese 🧀.
Add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning 🌿 and garlic powder.
Season with 1/2 tsp of salt 🧂 and pepper.
Sprinkle some dried parsley 🌿 on top for a bit of color and extra flavor.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. 🍽️
Instructions
To make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta 🍝 according to the directions on the box 📦.
2️⃣ Brown the Kielbasa:
While the pasta is cooking, brown the kielbasa 🌭 in a pan 🍳 over medium heat 🔥 and then remove it from the pan.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
In the same pan, add butter 🧈 and minced garlic 🧄, letting it cook until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream 🥛, followed by the tomato sauce 🍅 and tomato paste 🍅.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese 🧀, Italian seasoning 🌿, salt 🧂, pepper, and garlic powder.
4️⃣ Mix and Simmer:
Mix everything together well and let it simmer for a few minutes ⏲️ until the sauce thickens a little bit.
5️⃣ Combine and Serve:
Drain the pasta and then combine it with the sauce.
Add the browned kielbasa back into the pan and mix everything together.
For an extra touch, serve the pasta with a topping of more Parmesan cheese 🧀 and a sprinkle of dried parsley 🌿.
This final step adds a nice flavor and makes the dish look even more appetizing. Enjoy your delicious and creamy smoked sausage pasta! 🍽️
FAQS
What is Smoked Sausage?
Smoked sausage is typically a coarsely ground product that is stuffed into either hog casings or cellulose casings. These casings usually have a diameter of 30–40 mm (about 1.19–1.5 in). The sausage is then smoked to enhance its flavor. If stuffed into a cellulose casing, which is later removed to make a skinless sausage, the links are made to be approximately 12.5 cm (or 5 in) in length.
What Goes Well with Smoked Sausage?
When enjoying Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, consider pairing it with Southern Baked Beans for a sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoked sausage. Another great option is Homemade Potato Salad, which can mellow out the richness of the pasta, making it ideal for a barbecue or picnic. If you’re looking for something lighter, Roasted Vegetables are a fantastic choice. These sides not only complement the pasta but also enhance the overall meal experience, especially when featuring smoked Premio Hot Italian Sausage.
Is Smoked Sausage Healthy?
While Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is delicious, it’s important to consider the health aspects of smoked meats. These meats can be high in phosphorus and potassium, which can severely impact those with kidney disease. Additionally, the smoking process can form potential carcinogenic compounds, which might cause complications for individuals with a history of cancer or those at high risk of developing cancer. Therefore, it’s essential to enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you have health concerns.