Description

This creamy smoked sausage pasta is a delicious and hearty meal featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with smoky browned sausage, sautéed onions, and garlic. The sauce is enhanced with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning, delivering a comforting blend of flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

Pasta

12 oz penne pasta

Sauce & Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combine the Sausage and Pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of this satisfying pasta dish.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Substitute mozzarella cheese with parmesan or a cheese blend to vary the flavor profile.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.