If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly tender rotini pasta drenched in a heavenly blend of creamy tomato sauce, rich with melted Parmesan and highlighted by the smoky, crispy edges of kielbasa sausage. Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels indulgent but utterly approachable, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress friends. Every bite brings a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds – trust me, this recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the bold flavors and creamy texture of this dish. From the savory smoked sausage to the luscious heavy cream, every element adds depth, color, and a satisfying mouthfeel that makes this pasta shine.
- Kielbasa sausage (2 packages, 12 oz each): Smoked and sliced for that perfect balance of smoky flavor and hearty protein.
- Rotini pasta (16 oz): Its twists hold onto the luscious sauce beautifully, making every forkful flavorful.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
- Minced garlic (2 tbsp): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a delightful aromatic kick.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The secret to the sauce’s signature creamy texture.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provides tang and a vibrant red color that complements the creaminess.
- Tomato paste (3 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that adds warmth and herbal notes to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, shredded, divided): Half is melted into the sauce for creaminess, and the rest adds a savory finish.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Adding salt here is key because it seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its natural flavor. Toss in the rotini pasta and cook it just until al dente, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite. This texture is perfect because it holds up beautifully when mixed with the creamy sauce later. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Once ready, drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, slice the kielbasa into half-inch rounds. Using a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage slices and cook them until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust on the edges. This caramelization is what brings out that irresistible smoky, savory flavor that’s central to the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe. Once the sausage is nicely browned and crispy, transfer it to a plate and set aside. This step is crucial for deepening the flavor profile of your dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
With the sausage cooked, it’s time to build the sauce in the same skillet. Melt the butter and then add the minced garlic, sautéing it just until fragrant—that lovely smell signals the flavor foundation is set. Slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, combining everything until smooth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to season the sauce perfectly. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens. Stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Now, reintroduce the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so the rotini is evenly coated in the velvety sauce and the sausage pieces are well distributed throughout. This ensures that from the very first forkful, you get a delightful blend of creamy sauce and smoky sausage in every bite. Finish by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese and scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in with enthusiasm!
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, fresh chopped parsley is a must—it adds a bright, herbaceous contrast to the creamy tomato sauce. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan on top for an irresistible cheesy finish. If you like a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes sprinkled on top bring a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are ideal too, great for sopping up every bit of that luxurious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in a rustic deep dish or a charming cast iron skillet right at the table to keep it warm and inviting. For a bit of extra flair, pop it into oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle with cheese, and broil briefly for a golden, bubbly crust. Garnishing with edible flowers or additional fresh herbs also creates a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe tastes fantastic as leftovers, so don’t hesitate to save any remaining portions. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that the cream sauce might slightly separate after thawing, but a quick stir during reheating fixes that easily. Portioning it before freezing helps for quicker thawing and serving later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and preserve its creamy texture. Avoid overheating as it can cause the sauce to break.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can substitute with andouille, smoked bratwurst, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the sausage is fully cooked and nicely browned.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You might want to increase the seasoning or add smoked paprika to mimic some of the smoky flavor that the sausage brings.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini is fantastic because its twisted shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly. However, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives that provide a similar texture and sauce coverage.
Can I lighten the cream sauce?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce calories, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit of grated Parmesan helps maintain some of the richness in these lighter versions.
How spicy is this pasta recipe?
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is generally mild, highlighting savory and creamy flavors. If you want more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when preparing the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is a game-changer in comfort food. Its creamy, smoky, and cheesy goodness makes every meal feel like a special occasion without any fuss. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something truly spectacular that your family and friends will beg you to make again.
Print
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender rotini pasta with crispy, browned kielbasa sausage in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The sauce, infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, perfectly coats every bite, making it a satisfying meal ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 (12 oz) packages of Kielbasa, sliced into ½ inch pieces
Pasta
- 16 oz rotini pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice the kielbasa into ½ inch pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage slices. Cook them until they brown and become crispy on the edges, which enhances their flavor. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste until well combined. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese (½ cup) and let it melt into the sauce, adding extra creaminess.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and the sausage is well distributed. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it melts better and has richer flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end, tasting the sauce to suit your preference.
- You can substitute rotini pasta with any other short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- To make the dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
