If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe. It brings together the smoky richness of sausage with a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to tender rotini pasta. Every bite bursts with flavor from the melty cheeses, aromatic garlic, and just the right touch of herbs, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe manages to be indulgent without being complicated, proving that simple ingredients can create something spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in delivering that crave-worthy taste and texture. From the smoky sausage that brings depth to the creamy, cheesy sauce, to the aromatic garlic and fresh herbs that brighten every forkful, everything comes together effortlessly to create an unforgettable pasta dish.
- 16 oz rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced: Adds a fantastic smoky, meaty flavor that is the star of the dish.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps to meld the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Essential for thickening the sauce into a silky, creamy consistency.
- 4 to 7 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory kick—more garlic means more love!
- 3 cups half and half: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without being heavy.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Gives a mild, warming spice that awakens the palate.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Brings a Mediterranean herbaceous note that complements smoked sausage.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice): Melts smoothly for that irresistible gooey texture.
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained: Adds color and a slight acidity that balances the richness.
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle for an extra cheesy, savory finish.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—meaning tender but still with a slight bite. This texture is crucial because it helps the pasta hold up well when tossed with the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Smoked Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it until the edges brown nicely and the sausage releases its savory oils, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the sausage adds flavor layers, so don’t rush this step. When ready, remove the sausage from the pan and keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet, melt the salted butter, which will soak up all those leftover sausage flavors. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant, about one minute. This injection of garlic aroma forms the fragrant backbone of the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This mixture called a roux will thicken your sauce and give it a perfectly velvety texture. Cooking the flour briefly also removes its raw taste, ensuring a smooth, rich sauce.
Step 5: Whisk in Half and Half and Chicken Stock
Slowly pour in the half and half and chicken stock while whisking to avoid lumps. This creates the creamy base of your sauce. Then add salt, pepper, and oregano for that wonderful herby seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes as it thickens, becoming luxuriously rich and smooth.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Tomatoes
Stir in the shredded cheddar (or your preferred cheese) and the drained diced tomatoes. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating gooey creaminess, while the tomatoes add a fresh burst of color and balancing acidity. Cook until everything is blended and molten.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Return the browned sausage and cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well so the sausage and pasta are generously coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Allow it to heat through completely, so every bite is warm and comforting.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan
Before serving, sprinkle the top generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. This step adds a salty, nutty finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil makes a fantastic garnish, adding a pop of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top also elevates the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty bread are perfect to soak up any extra sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh herb and a dusting of Parmesan. You could also bake the creamy sausage pasta in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden crusted finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta in portions using freezer-safe containers. For best texture, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great because it holds sauce well, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would be tasty substitutes.
What kind of smoked sausage is best?
Choose a smoked sausage with good flavor but not overly spicy, unless you prefer heat. Kielbasa or Andouille are both excellent options.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap half and half for a creamy plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms added with the garlic can be a great way to sneak some veggies into this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and makes a satisfying meal for busy days. Just be sure to store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
Making the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those cooking wins that never fails to impress and satisfy. Its rich flavors, comforting textures, and straightforward preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite to share with family and friends when you want something delicious but effortless. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re in for a real treat!
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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender rotini pasta with browned smoked sausage in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. This comforting meal features a velvety blend of half and half, chicken stock, and melted cheddar cheese, enhanced with a touch of oregano and fresh diced tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz rotini pasta
Sausage
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 to 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and lightly crisped, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Roux: Stir in flour to the melted butter and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a smooth roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Season and Thicken: Add salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and drained diced tomatoes. Cook until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Return the browned smoked sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and sausage evenly with the creamy sauce and heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can use any type of smoked sausage according to your preference, such as kielbasa or Andouille sausage.
- The amount of garlic can be adjusted based on your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken stock slightly or cook the sauce a bit longer to reduce.
- To lighten the recipe, you can substitute half and half with whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
