If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings bold flavor, creamy textures, and real weeknight ease all together in one pan, Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is about to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious sauce brimming with zesty smoked sausage, melty mozzarella, savory parmesan, and a pop of fresh spinach and herbs—each bite is a hug in a bowl. This recipe is big on flavor but simple enough for any busy night, making it an absolute favorite for families, date nights, or a solo treat.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is how easily it comes together, thanks to a handful of key ingredients that are each necessary for flavor, creaminess, or texture. These pantry and fridge staples transform into something crave-worthy when they join forces!

Smoked sausage (12 ounces): The star! Slicing into rounds delivers just the right amount of smoky, savory goodness in every bite.
Penne or rotini pasta (12 ounces): The ridges or twists capture that creamy sauce beautifully; use your favorite shape here.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds lovely flavor and helps brown the sausage to golden perfection.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): That irresistible aromatic kick—you’ll smell dinner before you taste it!
Yellow onion (1 small, chopped): Balances richness with a soft, sweet baseline of flavor.
Heavy cream (1 cup): What gives the sauce its decadent, silky texture.
Chicken broth (½ cup): This keeps things from getting too thick, and adds savory depth.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): For nutty, salty sharpness that pulls the sauce together.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Delivers that irresistible melt and pull in the final dish.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with the taste of classic herbs like basil and oregano.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch gives this creamy dish subtle warmth—add more or less to taste.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for dialing in the flavors just right.
Fresh spinach (2 cups, optional): Adds color, freshness, and a little nutritional punch—stir it in at the end!
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Sprinkled on top, parsley adds a pop of color and fresh finish.

How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package directions until just al dente. This way, it can soak up that creamy sauce later without turning mushy. Once it’s done, drain it well, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Smoked Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage rounds in a single layer. Let them sizzle, turning occasionally, until each piece is browned and tempting—about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, scoop the sausage out to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those flavorful sausage bits!), add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sauté just until it’s fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Next, pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom. Add the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. Keep stirring gently for 2 to 3 minutes as everything melts and the sauce thickens slightly into a gloriously rich consistency.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back to the skillet. If you want to sneak in some greens, toss in the fresh spinach, too. Gently toss and fold everything together so every piece is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the spinach is wilted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, and finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Plate up your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta while it’s piping hot—those cheese pulls and creamy swirls are at their absolute best right now!

How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a bowl of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta quite like a finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley, a little extra crack of black pepper, or even a sprinkle of fresh-grated Parmesan just before serving. For a restaurant-worthy look, try a swirl of extra virgin olive oil or scatter a few chili flakes on top if you enjoy a little kick.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and filling on its own, but you can round it out beautifully with a leafy green salad (think arugula or romaine with a citrusy vinaigrette), steamed green beans, or simple roasted veggies. Crusty bread is a classic side as well—perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style fun, serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta straight out of the skillet at the table (it always gets a smile!), or portion it into individual bowls with generous cheese pulls on display. For a twist, spoon it into mini cast iron skillets, or use colorful pasta bowls and let everyone garnish their portion the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.

Freezing

Thanks to its creamy sauce, this pasta freezes surprisingly well! Store fully cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. To avoid a grainy texture, freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, warm it gently in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive that silky sauce. Microwave reheating also works—just use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and stir every 30 seconds until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option, or try spicy andouille, kielbasa, or even a vegetarian sausage if that’s more your style—the results are always delicious.

What pasta shapes work best for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?

The sauce clings especially well to short, textured pastas like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli, but honestly, whatever pasta shape you have on hand will work just fine—don’t hesitate to get creative!

Can I make this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta gluten free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be mindful to check your sausage and chicken broth labels as well to ensure they’re gluten free, and follow the package cooking instructions for your pasta.

How can I add extra veggies to the recipe?

There are plenty of tasty ways! Toss in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a handful of peas or broccoli for more color and flavor. Stir them in before adding the cream for perfect tenderness.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

While heavy cream delivers the richest result, you can use half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. The sauce may be a bit less thick, but will still be creamy and comforting.

Final Thoughts

It’s always fun to add a new favorite to your dinner routine, and Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is exactly that kind of dish—hearty, cheesy, and supremely satisfying. If you’re craving comfort with minimal effort but maximum flavor, give this recipe a spin! I can’t wait for it to earn a regular spot at your table.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, a satisfying dish that combines smoked sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Smoked Sausage:

12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Others:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add sausage, and brown for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Add pasta, sausage, and spinach to the skillet. Cook until heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.