Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe For Dinner Magic

Whipping up a delightful smoked sausage pasta promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Robust flavors dance through each twirled bite, creating a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Smoky aromas waft from the skillet, signaling something extraordinary is brewing.

Ingredients blend seamlessly, crafting a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rich, creamy textures coat tender pasta strands, inviting you to savor every forkful.

Tender sausage pieces add a perfect protein punch to this quick dinner solution.

Come explore this simple yet spectacular recipe that will become your new weeknight favorite.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta to Savor

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a hearty pasta dish that comes together faster than you'd expect, perfect for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Maximize Flavor Simplicity: Combine everyday ingredients like kielbasa, cream, and tomato sauce to create a restaurant-worthy meal without complex cooking techniques.
  • Customize Your Feast: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping kielbasa for other proteins or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making it a versatile dinner solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Watch as both kids and adults devour this creamy, savory pasta that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy sauce.
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful smoked sausage that adds rich, smoky protein to the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: A creamy and tangy base that creates a luxurious sauce with depth of flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty element that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the pasta dish.
  • Dried Parsley: A light garnish that provides a fresh, herbal finish to the meal.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and building the sauce's flavor.

How to Prepare Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Drop pasta into rapidly boiling water and cook according to package guidelines until tender.

Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Sausage Slices

Slice kielbasa into round medallions.

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Add sausage slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Transfer sausage to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes silky.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until aromatic. Pour in the creamy ingredients:
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste

Stir thoroughly.

Blend in cheese and seasonings:
  • Shredded Parmesan
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk continuously until sauce thickens and cheese melts smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sausage

Introduce drained pasta into the luscious sauce, coating each strand generously.

Reintroduce browned sausage slices and gently mix. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the steaming pasta immediately. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and dried parsley on top for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

  • Swap kielbasa with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that maintains the dish's rich flavor profile.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream quantities – less cream creates a tighter sauce, more cream results in a silkier texture.
  • Prevent garlic from burning by sautéing over medium-low heat and stirring constantly during the initial cooking stage.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or include fresh chopped herbs like basil for a vibrant, fresh taste boost.
  • Use low-sodium ingredients if watching salt intake, and opt for whole wheat pasta to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

Variations on Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

  • Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for a meat-free version that keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Swap tomato sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired pasta dish.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce and smoky sausage elements.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

  • Select a robust Chianti or Zinfandel that matches the smoky kielbasa's richness and cuts through the creamy sauce's intensity.
  • Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and provide refreshing contrast with peppery greens.
  • Toast rustic Italian bread with garlic butter to soak up extra sauce and add delightful textural crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
  • Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for guests preferring lighter wine that won't overpower the dish's delicate flavors.

Storage Tips for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and tasty.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Kielbasa is the ideal choice for this creamy pasta dish. Its smoky flavor and robust texture complement the rich sauce perfectly.

  • Can I use a different type of cream?

Heavy whipping cream provides the best consistency and richness. Substituting with half-and-half or whole milk might make the sauce less creamy and more thin.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or use a spicy kielbasa variant if you want to increase the heat level.

  • How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and color to the dish.

Print
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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty smoked sausage pasta delivers rich comfort through Italian-inspired culinary magic. Creamy sauce and smoky sausage combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (1 lb or 454 g) box of pasta
  • 12 oz (340 g) package of kielbasa
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 8 oz (2 x 226 g) cans of tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsps tomato paste
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 2 tbsps minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
  2. Slice kielbasa into uniform coin-shaped rounds. Sear in a hot skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on both surfaces. Transfer sausage to a separate plate.
  3. Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing quickly until aromatic without scorching. Stream in heavy cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, whisking smoothly. Integrate Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir consistently until cheese dissolves and sauce thickens slightly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  4. Fold pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coating. Reintroduce browned kielbasa and gently incorporate. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to harmonize flavors.
  5. Plate immediately while steaming hot. Enhance presentation with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and dried parsley for a finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that cuts down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Toast dried herbs before adding to the sauce to intensify their aromatic qualities and create deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream quantity or simmering longer to achieve desired consistency without compromising texture.
  • Incorporate leftover roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add extra color to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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