The moment that smell hit the hallwaybrowned sausage, garlic, creamy something bubblingI got whiplash straight back to a Tuesday night in 1998. That’s the power of creamy smoked sausage pasta. It’s cozy, it’s nostalgic, and folks on TikTok and Pinterest are losing their minds over it.
This is a one-pot wonder built from smoked sausage, penne pasta, and a silky cream sauce with melted cheese that clings to every bite. It’s rich, quick, and uses what you probably already have in the fridge. Like grandma’s stroganoff, but faster and saucier. Full details in the blog!
When I first tossed this together, my daughter literally licked the spoon and said, “Make that againsoon.” Our family loves a hearty meal that doesn’t need three grocery trips. And yep, I tested this many times. You’ll love the clever little spice trick I snuck in.
This creamy smoked sausage pasta offers everything you desire in a comfort meal: it’s quick to prepare, incredibly hearty, and genuinely cozy. It features that distinctive smoky sausage kick, generously coated in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of penne. The best part? It’s all made with familiar, family-friendly ingredientsno special grocery runs required.
It’s also beginner-friendly. No need to be a kitchen pro to master this dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re feeding a small crowd, this one-pot wonder has your back. Plus, the recipe is endlessly tweakableadd a pinch of spice, swap out cheeses, or lighten it up. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes memorable meals, all in one skillet.
Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll be working with:
Smoked Sausage: The star of the show! The smoky flavor adds depth and richness to the dish. Slice it thin so you get crispy, golden edges when seared.
Penne Pasta: Perfectly portioned tubes that hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Use classic or whole wheat for a healthier option.
Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: The dynamic duo behind that luscious cream sauce. Chicken broth keeps it savory and balances the richness of the cream.
Shredded Mozzarella: For that gooey, melty magic. Swap it with parmesan if you’re after a sharper bite.
Italian Seasoning & Paprika: These pantry staples bring warmth and a hint of spice. Want to kick it up further? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
Pro Tip: Keep some fresh parsley on hand for garnishit adds freshness and makes everything look a little fancier with minimal effort.
Simple Steps to Make It
Get ready for a kitchen win with these foolproof steps. Dinner will come together in just 30 minutes:
Cook the pasta: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of pasta watera splash can make your sauce extra silky!
Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add your sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Scoop the sausage out and set it aside.
Make the sauce: Pour in the cream and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the mozzarella, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Watch as it transforms into a rich, creamy sauce!
Combine and serve: Add the browned sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in that gorgeous, creamy sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and it’s table-ready!
Easy Customizations
This dish is delicious as-is, but a few tweaks can make it even more personal:
Cheese swaps: No mozzarella? No problem! Try parmesan, fontina, or even cheddar for a different twist.
Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy kick. Think creamy Cajun sausage pasta!
Healthier options: Sub heavy cream with half-and-half, or use lean turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage to lighten things up.
Add veggies: A handful of peas, spinach, or bell peppers can sneak some greens into this comfort food classic.
Pro Tip: Got leftovers? Turn them into a baked pasta dish by topping with extra cheese and baking at 375°F for 15 minutes. Instant dinner encore!
How to Serve & Store
Once you’ve tossed everything together, serve this creamy smoked sausage pasta immediately while it’s piping hot and at its cheesy best. Pair it with a side salad or a slice of garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent!
Storage Tips
Details
Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, ensuring it’s heated through to 165°F (74°C).
Freezer
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the sauce texture may change slightly upon freezing and thawing.
Pro Tip: Pasta soaked in sauce tends to thicken as it sits. A little liquid during reheating brings it back to that creamy perfection.
Expert Insight: Crafting the Perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Creamy smoked sausage pasta balances rich, smoky flavors with a luscious sauce, making it a comforting yet sophisticated dish. The fat content in the sausage naturally enriches the sauce, while al dente pasta provides the ideal texture contrast, elevating this recipe beyond simple weeknight fare.
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How I Finally Nailed This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This creamy smoked sausage pasta took a few rounds to get just rightmy first try was too heavy, the second lacked flavor. After some tweaking and learning when to add cream and spices, it’s now a cozy, comforting dish that my family actually asks for again. Every taste is a reminder of those kitchen experiments.
Penne or rigatoni work well because their shape holds the creamy sauce nicely. However, fusilli or rotini also make great options to capture the flavors in this rich dish. Choose a pasta that cooks evenly and carries sauce well.
Can I prepare the sausage ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the smoked sausage ahead can save time. Slice and brown it, then store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add it to the dish last to preserve its flavor and texture during reheating.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Cool leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days for best taste and safety. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid breaking the creamy sauce.
Is this dish freeze-friendly?
This meal can be frozen but the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly. Freeze in portions with airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Stir well to recombine any separated sauce.
Conclusion
This creamy smoked sausage pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, delivering rich, cozy flavors that wrap around you like a warm hug. You’ll love how the smoky sausage crisps up just right, and that silky cream sauce melts into every nook of penne. It’s the kind of comfort food dinner that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly satisfyingperfect for busy evenings or impromptu family gatherings.
For a little extra flair, try adding a pinch of Cajun seasoning or swap mozzarella for sharp parmesan to change things up without missing a beat. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of broth or milkthat’s a handy tip I picked up from my own hectic weeknight rescues. Whether you’re serving this up with garlic bread or a fresh salad, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that leaves a lasting impression.
Have you ever whipped up a quick pasta with smoked sausage in your kitchen? I’d love to see your photos or hear your twists! Drop a comment below or save this recipe to your collectionit’s a simple way to bring comfort and a little kitchen joy back to your table anytime. Here’s to warm meals and even warmer memories!
This creamy smoked sausage pasta is a rich and flavorful comfort dish perfect for a quick sausage pasta dinner. Easy creamy sausage pasta with smoked sausage and cheese makes a hearty smoked sausage pasta recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb smoked sausage sliced
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat then add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and crispy about 5-7 minutes then remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth stirring to combine then bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper and continue stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet followed by the drained pasta then toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat
You can swap the mozzarella cheese for parmesan or a blend of cheeses for a different taste
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
