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
Scale
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.
