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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a game-changer!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 lb smoked sausage kielbasa, andouille, or preferred type
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Additional grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  • Boil water with salt, then cook pasta until al dente (9-11 min).
  • Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

  • Slice sausage into 1/4-inch rounds.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Brown sausage slices on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
  • Remove sausage and set aside, keeping the flavorful oil in the pan.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

  • Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan.
  • Add diced onions, cooking until translucent (3-4 minutes).
  • Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add bell pepper slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Return cooked sausage to the pan and stir to combine.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

  • Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
  • Let simmer for 2 minutes, then lower heat.
  • Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  • Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
  • Mix in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  • Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  • If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  • Let sit for 2 minutes off heat.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta Substitutions: Use fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle if penne is unavailable.
  • Dairy Adjustments: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSodium: 900mg
Keyword Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes, smoked sausage recipe
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