Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe – Easy & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich, hearty, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a velvety cream sauce, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly—making it a go-to recipe for families, especially when you need a cheap dinner for 5 that still tastes amazing.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Pasta

When time is tight and everyone’s hungry, this creamy pasta hits all the right notes: fast, filling, and full of bold flavor. The smoked sausage adds a deep, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, while the pasta soaks up every drop of deliciousness.

What’s even better? It’s made in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup. No baking, no separate saucepans—just simple ingredients, one pan, and dinner on the table in 30 minutes.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Budget-conscious meals

• Comfort food cravings

• Leftover lunches

• Picky eaters (kids love it!)

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Ingredients Overview: Simple Pantry & Fridge Staples

Each ingredient is easy to find, and most are probably already in your kitchen.

1. Smoked Sausage (14 oz)

• Use beef, pork, turkey, or Polish kielbasa-style sausage

• Pre-cooked sausage makes prep fast—just slice and sear for flavor

• The smoky richness balances perfectly with the creamy sauce

2. Pasta (12 oz)

• Short shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties work best

• Holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet

• Can use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties as needed

3. Onion & Garlic

• Adds flavor depth to the base of the dish

• Use yellow or white onion and freshly minced garlic if possible

4. Heavy Cream (1 cup)

• Creates a rich, silky sauce

• Can be swapped for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version

5. Chicken Broth (2 cups)

• Helps cook the pasta right in the sauce and boosts savory flavor

• Use low-sodium if watching salt intake

6. Parmesan Cheese (½ cup)

• Adds saltiness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce

• Freshly grated melts better and avoids clumps

7. Olive Oil or Butter (1 tbsp)

• Used to sauté sausage and veggies

8. Seasonings

• Salt and black pepper

• Paprika for smokiness

• Italian seasoning or dried thyme for an herby finish

• Red pepper flakes for optional heat

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Pasta in One Skillet

1. Brown the Sausage

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat

• Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side

• Remove sausage and set aside

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pan, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened

• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant

3. Add Pasta and Liquids

• Add uncooked pasta, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup heavy cream

• Stir well and bring to a low boil

• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

• Cook until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

4. Add Cheese and Sausage

• Stir in the cooked sausage and ½ cup grated Parmesan

• Simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, until sauce thickens

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika

5. Serve Hot

• Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or crushed red pepper if desired

• Serve straight from the skillet with garlic bread or salad

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Stop when al dente—it will continue to soften in the hot sauce

• Use a large, deep skillet: Everything cooks in one pan, so space is important

• Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheeses can make the sauce grainy

Variations:

• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas in the last 5 minutes

• Make it Spicy: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sausage

• Cheesy Upgrade: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar for an extra gooey dish

• Tomato-Cream Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup tomato paste or a splash of marinara for a rosy sauce

Substitutions:

• Cream: Swap for evaporated milk or unsweetened plant cream (oat or cashew)

• Broth: Vegetable broth works if you’re out of chicken stock

• Sausage: Use turkey sausage, chorizo, or even leftover grilled sausage

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This creamy sausage pasta is satisfying on its own, but also plays well with sides:

Serve With:

• Garlic bread or cheesy toast

• Caesar salad or mixed greens

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

Great For:

• Weeknight family meals – quick and filling

• Potluck dinners – travels well and reheats easily

• Meal prepping – leftovers are just as tasty the next day

• Comfort food nights – cozy, hearty, and indulgent

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Nutritional & Health Notes

While this pasta is rich and indulgent, it can be modified to suit your goals:

Healthier Options:

• Use turkey or chicken sausage for less fat

• Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber

• Swap cream for milk or light cream

• Load it with vegetables to increase nutrients

Estimated Per Serving (based on 5 servings):

• Calories: 550–600

• Protein: 20–25g

• Carbohydrates: 40–45g

• Fat: 25–30g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked pasta instead?

You can, but the sauce won’t thicken the same way. Reduce broth to 1 cup and simmer less—just until everything’s heated and sauce coats the noodles.

2. Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I make it without cream?

Yes, use whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be lighter but still creamy—add an extra ¼ cup Parmesan to help thicken.

4. What’s the best sausage to use?

Smoked beef sausage or Polish kielbasa work great. You can also use spicy andouille, Italian chicken sausage, or turkey kielbasa.

5. How long does it keep?

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Good options: chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Add during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

7. What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until the sauce reduces. You can also stir in a bit more cheese or 1 tbsp cream cheese to thicken.

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