Quick and Delicious Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the smoky flavors of sausage with the rich creaminess of cheese, all tossed together with pasta in a flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a delicious way to incorporate smoked sausage into your meal rotation, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Flavorful: The smoked sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Comforting: It’s a comfort food classic that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast and filling weeknight dinner.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a personalized touch.

Ingredients Notes

• Smoked Sausage: Use any brand or type of smoked sausage you prefer, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work best for holding onto the sauce.
• Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is recommended for a nice mix of flavor and meltiness, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
• Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy contrast to the dish. You can also include mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
• Seasonings: Garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika or red pepper flakes for heat.

Recipe Steps

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce.
2. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
4. Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

Quick and Delicious Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ Smoked sausage: 1 lb 450g, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• ▢ Pasta: 12 oz 340g, any shape (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well)
• ▢ Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• ▢ Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• ▢ Onion: 1 medium diced
• ▢ Bell pepper: 1 diced (any color)
• ▢ Chicken broth: 2 cups 480ml
• ▢ Heavy cream: 1 cup 240ml
• ▢ Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• ▢ Cajun seasoning: 1 teaspoon optional, for a spicy kick
• ▢ Salt and pepper: to taste
• ▢ Cheddar cheese: 1 cup 100g, shredded
• ▢ Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup 50g, grated
• ▢ Fresh parsley or scallions: for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Sausage:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Create the Sauce:

• Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning (if using), cooking for a minute to develop the flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to slightly thicken.

Combine Pasta and Sausage with Sauce:

• Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine, ensuring the pasta and sausage are evenly coated with the sauce.

Add the Cheeses:

• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

• Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or scallions before serving.