Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta has been a staple in my kitchen for years. This rich and cozy dish brings back memories of crisp autumn evenings, where warm meals meant more than just food, they meant comfort, family, and that feeling of home. My love for this pasta started in a small flat in Prague, where I first tossed smoked sausage into a pan with garlic, paprika, and cream. The aroma alone was enough to make friends appear uninvited, and nobody ever left disappointed.
Over time, I’ve adapted this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta to suit quick weeknights, lazy Sundays, and everything in between. The ingredients are simple, the method is beginner-friendly, and the taste is always satisfying. If you love bold flavors and a dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is for you.
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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: Quick, Comforting One Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is rich, cozy, and bursting with smoky flavor, a one-pan comfort food classic perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Easy to make and full of bold flavor, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Push sausage to one side. Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir in paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta directly to the pan. Stir well and cover. Simmer 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed.
- Once pasta is al dente and sauce is creamy, stir in parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with fresh parsley and serve hot. Optionally, sprinkle with extra cheese or red pepper flakes.
Notes
Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Don’t overcook pasta – simmer gently and check early. Adjust creaminess by adding broth or using half-and-half. Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Most ingredients are pantry staples, and it all comes together in one pan.
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
If you’re cooking for dietary needs, this recipe easily adapts. You can swap the cream for a plant-based version, or use gluten-free pasta to keep things light and allergy-friendly. Just make sure your smoked sausage is halal-friendly, which is easy to find at most major stores.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until the edges are golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. This brings out the smoky flavor and adds great texture. - Sauté aromatics:
Push the sausage to one side of the pan. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. - Add liquids & seasoning:
Pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir in paprika, oregano, and chili flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Cook the pasta:
Add uncooked pasta directly to the pan. Stir well and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much. - Add cheese & season:
Once pasta is al dente and the sauce is creamy, stir in parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. - Serve & garnish:
Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. For extra flair, you can add a bit more cheese or crushed red pepper on top.
This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple salad or roasted vegetables. If you love smoky, creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet or this cozy One Pan Sausage and Potatoes Dinner for another easy dinner idea.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Use high-quality sausage: The flavor of smoked sausage carries the dish. Choose one with deep smoke flavor and minimal additives.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it directly in the sauce is key, but check it early to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or add more broth and reduce the cream.
- Make it spicier: Smoked sausage and cream are great with a kick. A pinch of cayenne or extra chili flakes can take it up a notch.
For another creamy pasta idea, check out this Dump and Bake Alfredo, no boiling required!
Easy Variations
Gluten-Free:
Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or brown rice varieties hold up well and still soak up the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies:
This dish is delicious with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add them in with the garlic and onion step.
Cheese Swap:
Try shredded gouda, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Or mix two cheeses for richness.
Stir in a twist:
Love pasta with personality? This Dirty Martini Pasta recipe gives a creative, briny punch you might enjoy next!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta are just as delicious the next day.
To store:
Let the dish cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid grainy sauce.
If you’re a pasta lover, explore our full Pizza Pasta Recipes Guide for more one-pot wonders.
Why Readers Love This Recipe
- It’s made in one pan
- Quick, ready in under 30 minutes
- No fancy ingredients needed
- Comfort food done right
- Perfect for meal prep
- Easily adaptable for different diets
If you liked this dish, you might also want to try the Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese or Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine, more creamy dinner inspiration!
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing that perfect weeknight comfort meal or want something that feels indulgent without being complicated, Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta hits the spot. It’s a reminder that delicious food doesn’t need to be fussy. Just good ingredients, a bit of time, and lots of heart. Give it a try and let it become part of your own kitchen story.
What kind of smoked sausage is best for creamy smoked sausage pasta?
The best smoked sausage for creamy smoked sausage pasta is one with a bold, smoky flavor and a firm texture that holds up during cooking. Beef or turkey sausage works well, and you can slice it into rounds for the perfect bite-size pieces. Avoid overly fatty or soft sausages as they may break apart in the sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are great choices for creamy smoked sausage pasta because they hold the sauce well, you can also use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape and texture.
How do I make creamy smoked sausage pasta gluten-free?
To make creamy smoked sausage pasta gluten-free, simply replace regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free alternative. Brown rice or chickpea pasta works wonderfully in this dish. Double-check that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.
How long does creamy smoked sausage pasta last in the fridge?
Creamy smoked sausage pasta will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture without drying it out.