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usage Pasta – A Rich & Flavorful Comfort Recipe

usage Pasta – A Rich & Flavorful Comfort Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 31 reviews

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful comfort dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious creamy sauce with smoky, browned sausage, melted mozzarella cheese, and aromatic Italian seasonings. Perfect for a hearty dinner that is both easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly thicken.
  5. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine the Sausage and Pasta: Return the browned smoked sausage back into the skillet followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and sausage is well distributed.
  7. Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, creamy, and smoky flavors at their best.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
  • Use smoked sausage with a flavor profile you enjoy, such as Andouille or kielbasa, for different smoky nuances.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta variety instead of regular penne.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage pasta, creamy pasta recipe, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, penne pasta with sausage, mozzarella cheese pasta

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/usage-pasta-a-rich-and-flavorful-comfort-recipe/