If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture tender rotini pasta enveloped in a luxuriously smooth sauce, dotted with hearty, smoky sausage and vibrant diced tomatoes, all finished off with gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul and brings smiles around the dinner table, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s building the sauce’s velvety texture, adding a smoky depth, or providing a burst of freshness. These simple components come together effortlessly to create a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- 16 oz rotini pasta: Its curly shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced: Brings a smoky, savory punch that makes the pasta truly special.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps create the buttery roux base.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 4 to 7 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and flavor, making the sauce aromatic.
- 3 cups half and half: Provides smooth creaminess without being too heavy.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Adds depth and a savory background to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat to round out the dish.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: A touch of herbaceous warmth to tie everything together.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice): Melts into the sauce, making it decadently cheesy.
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained: Introduce freshness and a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: A sharp, salty finish sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your rotini pasta according to the package until it reaches al dente perfection—firm to the bite but not hard. This texture is essential because it holds up beautifully when tossed with that decadent sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside to await its delicious transformation.
Step 2: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Next, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat to brown your sliced smoked sausage. This step unlocks the sausage’s smoky, savory aromas and gives it a lovely caramelized crust that adds a fantastic texture contrast. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, then remove and set it aside—don’t fret, the sausage will return to center stage soon.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Roux
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add your minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic releases its irresistibly fragrant aroma, around one minute. Then whisk in the flour to create a roux—a magical blend that thickens your sauce beautifully. Be sure to stir constantly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out that floury taste, laying the groundwork for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the half and half along with the chicken stock, stirring steadily to avoid lumps. As the mixture warms, add salt, pepper, and oregano to bring depth to your sauce. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, which usually takes about five minutes. This stage is where the sauce transforms into a silky, rich blanket ready to coat every bite of pasta.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Tomatoes
Now the most delicious part—stir in the shredded cheese and the drained diced tomatoes. The cheese melts slowly, enriching the sauce with gooey goodness, while the tomatoes add a pop of color and fresh, slightly tangy notes that balance out the richness marvelously. Keep the heat moderate and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce reaches creamy perfection.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Return your browned smoked sausage and the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta and sausage evenly with that luscious sauce. Heat through until everything is perfectly warm and inviting.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Before you serve, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top for a final flourish. This cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor and just the right amount of salty contrast. It also gives the dish a lovely finishing touch in taste and presentation—making your creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and an herbaceous, fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A little extra cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes on top can bring a pleasing kick if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a hearty stand-alone meal, but serving it alongside crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is a fantastic choice too and perfect for soaking up all those delicious sauce remnants.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or family, try serving the cream-soaked pasta inside hollowed-out bell peppers or in small individual baking dishes topped with extra cheese for a bubbly baked twist. For a rustic, cozy vibe, layer it in a large casserole dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs right before serving to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it down to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the pasta sauce contains dairy, it freezes well if you plan ahead. Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When freezing, stir in a bit of extra cheese after reheating to bring back richness that can sometimes diminish.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or half and half if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the sauce silky and helps prevent it from drying out. Microwaving in short intervals with occasional stirring also works well for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, other shapes like penne, fusilli, or even shells work wonderfully and bring their own unique texture to the dish.
What cheese works best for the sauce?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or pepper jack for some spice. Just choose cheeses that melt well for a luscious sauce.
Is smoked sausage necessary or can I substitute it?
Smoked sausage gives a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste. Just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Choose a non-dairy milk with a higher fat content like coconut or oat milk for creaminess, and vegan cheeses that melt well to keep that luscious texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes during the sauce-making process or mixing in diced jalapeños with the sausage can easily boost the heat. You could also swap the cheese for a pepper jack variety for an added kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with sensational flavor, making it a go-to for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Its harmonious blend of smoky sausage, rich sauce, and fresh tomatoes creates a memorable plate every time. I encourage you to whip up this dish soon—you might just find it becoming one of your all-time favorites too!
Print
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed in a rich cheese and tomato-infused cream sauce, combined with savory browned smoked sausage for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz rotini pasta
Sausage and Sauce
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 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, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced smoked sausage until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, melt the salted butter and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant without burning.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour to the melted butter and garlic, creating a roux. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Season and Thicken: Add salt, pepper, and oregano to the sauce, then let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the shredded cheese and drained diced tomatoes, cooking until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and well blended.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the browned smoked sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce and heating through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use cheddar or any preferred shredded cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce chicken stock to ¾ cup or cook sauce a little longer.
- Adjust garlic amount according to taste preferences.
- Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent watery sauce.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be added as garnish for freshness.
