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
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
