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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

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This one-pot creamy smoked sausage pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz smoked sausage (Kielbasa, andouille, beef or turkey), sliced into 1/4-inch coins
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or rigatoni)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice smoked sausage into 1/4-inch coins. Dice onion and mince garlic. Measure liquids and shred cheese if needed.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate.
  3. In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and diced tomatoes with juices.
  5. Add uncooked pasta and browned sausage back to the pan. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
  7. Remove pan from heat. Stir in shredded Parmesan until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk and Greek yogurt. Gluten-free pasta works well; just watch the cooking time. Add spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies. Sauce thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage pasta, creamy pasta, one pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, family friendly, sausage recipes

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-smoked-sausage-pasta-recipe-easy-one-pot-comfort-meal/