Are you in the mood for something deliciously comforting yet easy to whip up? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that has won over my heart and stomach: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to your face with every bite – rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary delight together!

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Ingredients
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Try Some of our Other Favorite Dinner Recipes

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Ingredients

Kielbasa
Rotini Pasta
Butter
Minced Garlic
Heavy Whipping Cream
Tomato Sauce
Tomato Paste
Parmesan cheese
Italian Seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Fresh Parsley

*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!

How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sausage: Slice the Kielbasa into ½ inch pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned and crispy on the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the shredded ½ cup of parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Garnish with remaining parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm!

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:

Leftovers (if you have any!) store beautifully. Keep your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:

To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce seems a bit thick after refrigeration, don’t hesitate to stir in a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish, although the cream-based sauce might change texture slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little cream or broth to adjust the consistency if necessary.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! For an even quicker meal prep, you can cook the pasta and sausage a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then just prepare the sauce and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. This approach not only saves time but also allows the flavors of the sausage to deepen, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Substitutions & Variations

You can substitute the Kielbasa with any sausage of your choice, or even use chicken or shrimp for a lighter option.
Vegetarian? No problem – swap the sausage with grilled vegetables or a meat substitute.
If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, try using half-and-half or a plant-based creamer.
And for those who love a bit of heat, throwing in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can add a nice kick.

Helpful Cooking Notes

To ensure your pasta doesn’t stick together, stir it occasionally while boiling and cook it until just al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
When browning the sausage, let it sit undisturbed for a bit before stirring. This allows it to get that nice, crispy edge.
Don’t rush the sauce – let it simmer to thicken and develop flavors. And remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley not just for color, but also for a fresh, herby balance to the rich sauce.

Try Some of our Other Favorite Dinner Recipes

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 1111 kcal

Discover the joy of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta with our easy-to-follow recipe. This hearty, flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite.

INGREDIENTS

2 12 oz packages of Kielbasa
16 oz Box of Rotini Pasta
2 TBSP of Butter
2 TBSP of Minced Garlic
1 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
2 8 oz cans of Tomato Sauce
3 TBSP of Tomato Paste
1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tsp of Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Fresh Parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sausage: Slice the Kielbasa into ½ inch pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it's nicely browned and crispy on the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the shredded ½ cup of parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Garnish with remaining parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm!

NOTES

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:

Leftovers (if you have any!) store beautifully. Keep your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: