Smoked sausage pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s quick and easy to make. This simple recipe combines a creamy, cheesy sauce with savory smoked sausage and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a satisfying one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and lazy weekends. Follow these easy steps for a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Cheesy smoked sausage recipe
My smoked sausage pasta recipe is a true game-changer, bringing a hearty flavor without the hassle. Made with flavorful smoked sausage, tender penne, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this one-pot meal is big on flavor and keeps cleanup easy.
Add fresh veggies like bell peppers for a wholesome, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and sure to please even picky eaters.
Love this? Try our kielbasa pasta, ground turkey pasta or garlic Parmesan chicken pasta next!
Recipe Highlights
- This smoked sausage pasta quick and is perfect when you need a fast meal. Everything comes together in one pot, saving time and cleanup.
- Each bite is loaded with a creamy, cheesy sauce that pairs perfectly with the smoky sausage.
- The combination of smoked sausage and pasta creates a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Add bell peppers or other favorite veggies to make this smoked sausage and peppers pasta even more delicious and colorful.
Ingredients
- 14 ounce smoked sausage
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 medium sweet onion
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth, more as needed
- 15 ounce crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- ¾ teaspoon oregano flakes
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for a little spice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 ounce uncooked Penne
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- Chopped parsley
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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- Dutch oven 5.5 qt
How to make smoked sausage pasta
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sliced sausage in olive oil, then sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, seasonings, and uncooked pasta, stirring until the pasta is mostly covered.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12-16 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat, mix in shredded cheese until melted, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
What to serve with smoked sausage pasta
Garlic Bread: A classic choice! The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the smoked sausage pasta with a bit of crunch and color.
Bruschetta: Tomato bruschetta offers a tangy, fresh flavor that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
Caesar Salad: With its crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan, Caesar salad adds flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Lightly sautéed greens with garlic provide a healthy, simple side option that balances the richness of the pasta.
How to store
Storage: Store any leftover smoked sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Helpful Tips
- Choose a smoked sausage with a flavor you love, as it’ll be the star of the dish. Our favorites are Cajun, Kielbasa or Andouille.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the penne al dente, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce.
- To avoid a dry pasta dish, don’t skimp on the sauce ingredients. The creamy base is essential for the best texture.
- Adjust seasonings and cheese levels to suit your preference before serving.
- You can use different types of pasta like rotini, macaroni, ziti, rigatoni, fusilli, or even egg noodles for this recipe.
- Switch up the cheese with one of your favorites, or try a combination. Mozzarella, fontina, provolone, parmesan, or ricotta all make great choices.
- For the best results, shred the cheese yourself if possible, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
FAQs
Yes, smoked sausage pasta can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a quick reheat. Just store in an airtight container and follow reheating instructions.
While penne is great because it holds the sauce well, you can use any short pasta, like rotini or farfalle, for this recipe.
For a less cheesy option, reduce the cheese amount or skip it entirely. The dish will still be creamy and delicious, thanks to the sauce base.
You can also substitute the sausage with bite-sized pieces of chicken or ground beef. Just make sure to cook the meat first before adding the broth, cream, and pasta.
More Pasta recipes we love
- Mac and cheese
- Hawaiian pasta salad
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
Ready to try a new family favorite? Give this smoked sausage pasta a spot in your weeknight meal rotation! With a quick prep time, minimal cleanup, and big flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.
Follow the recipe, and enjoy the comfort of a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish tonight.
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Creamy Smoked sausage pasta
Equipment
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 14 oz Smoked sausage (Sliced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 15 oz Crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Parsley flakes
- ¾ teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 16 oz Penne pasta (Uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the sliced smoked sausage until it’s lightly browned.
- Stir in the onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, seasonings, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is mostly covered by the sauce. If needed, add an extra ½ cup of broth for more liquid.
- Bring the pasta mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 12-16 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- When the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat. Add the shredded cheese and mix gently with a wooden spoon until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve as is or pair with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use different types of pasta like rotini, macaroni, ziti, rigatoni, fusilli, or even egg noodles for this recipe.
- Use your favorite smoked sausage such as Cajun, kielbasa or andouille.
- You can also substitute the sausage with bite-sized pieces of chicken or ground beef. Just make sure to cook the meat first before adding the broth, cream, and pasta.
- Switch up the cheese with one of your favorites, or try a combination. Mozzarella, fontina, provolone, parmesan, or ricotta all make great choices.
- For the best results, shred the cheese yourself if possible, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
- You can add or swap in other ingredients to customize the dish. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture!
