Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta: A Comforting Delight

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes feelings of home and comfort. Originating from the heart of Southern cuisine, this dish combines the smoky goodness of sausage with the indulgent creaminess of cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.

People love Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta for its incredible taste and convenience. It’s a one-pot wonder that allows you to whip up a delicious dinner in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. The combination of tender pasta, savory sausage, and gooey cheese creates a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

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Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the penne pasta.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage.
2. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and heated through.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Creating the Sauce

1. Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir to combine.
2. Add the heavy cream to the skillet, mixing well to incorporate it with the tomatoes and sausage.
3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
2. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Adding the Cheese

1. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.
2. Gently stir the pasta until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Serving the Dish

1. Once the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Serve the cheesy smoked sausage pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner experience!

Tips for Success

• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using a spicy smoked sausage.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations to Try

• One-Pot Version: To make this a one-pot meal, add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and enough broth or water to cook the pasta. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation, then this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is an absolute must-try! The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the smoky, savory notes of the sausage, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

  For serving suggestions, consider pairing this pasta with a fresh side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A crusty garlic bread or warm, buttery rolls would also be a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you want to elevate the dish even further, try adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; while cheddar is a classic choice, mixing in some mozzarella or pepper jack can add a delightful twist.

  I encourage you to give this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta a try! It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Once you’ve made it, I would love to hear about your experience! Did you add any unique ingredients or make any variations? Sharing your thoughts and photos on social media can inspire others to try this delicious recipe as well.

  So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the world of cheesy goodness with this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta. I promise you won’t regret it! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!

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  Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

  This creamy smoked sausage pasta features tender penne tossed with savory smoked sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich cheese sauce, making it a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

  Prep Time15 minutes

  Cook Time25 minutes

  Total Time40 minutes

  Category: Easy Dinners

  Yield: 4 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the penne pasta.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage.
  5. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and heated through.
  6. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  8. Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir to combine.
  9. Add the heavy cream to the skillet, mixing well to incorporate it with the tomatoes and sausage.
  10. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
  12. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  13. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.
  14. Gently stir the pasta until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  15. Once the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy, remove the skillet from the heat.
  16. Serve the cheesy smoked sausage pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
  17. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner experience!

  Notes

  • Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using a spicy smoked sausage.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.