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.

 

Print
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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Serve:
    • Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or scallions before serving.
  • Author: Maria

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