Smoked Sausage Pasta is a cozy, one-pan meal packed with flavor. Tender pasta, smoky sausage, and a creamy sauce come together in a dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner any time.
Why We Love This Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for this Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe, and it goes beyond just the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen. Firstly, the ingredients are quite simple and easily accessible, ensuring you can whip this meal up without straying too far from your grocery list. The combination of smoked sausage and creamy sauce creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and a little gourmet, making you feel like a chef in your own home.
Moreover, this pasta dish is incredibly versatile. You may adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Vegetables can be tossed in, spices can be customized, and the sauce can be thickened to your liking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients about Smoked Sausage Pasta
Creating your own Smoked Sausage Pasta requires just a few key ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 4-7 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup parmesan, shredded
These ingredients combine to create a wonderfully balanced dish that is rich, creamy, and full of delightful flavors.
How to Make Smoked Sausage Pasta Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of crafting your delicious Smoked Sausage Pasta. This guide will take you through each phase, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently add the rotini pasta, following the cooking directions on the package. You’ll want to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Once it’s done cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later use.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced smoked sausage. You’ll want to cook it until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step will add flavor to your dish as the sausage leaves behind a delicious coating in the pan.
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. Next, add the minced garlic, and cook it until fragrant, usually about 1 minute. This combination creates a roux base, which is essential for your creamy sauce.
Slowly pour in the half and half, whisking continuously to prevent any clumps from forming. Keep stirring as you add the chicken stock, ensuring everything is well combined. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano, and let it come to a gentle simmer.
As the sauce simmers, stir in the shredded cheese bit by bit until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This step makes your sauce rich and creamy, coating every bit of pasta beautifully.
Reintroduce the browned smoked sausage back into the skillet, along with the cooked rotini pasta and the drained diced tomatoes. Carefully toss everything together so that every piece of pasta is enveloped in the creamy sauce.
Once everything is well combined, sprinkle the shredded parmesan on top. You can serve it immediately, or if you prefer a slight golden crust, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes.
This method captures every layer of flavor and elevates your weekly dinners into something special.
How to Serve Smoked Sausage Pasta
Once your Smoked Sausage Pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to plate it gracefully for your enjoyment. The vibrant colors of the dish are enticing, so don’t hesitate to make it visually appealing.
Serve the pasta in large bowls or plates to highlight the dish’s rich colors and textures. A garnish of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can elevate its visual appeal and add an extra touch of freshness. For those who enjoy an extra kick, consider offering red pepper flakes on the side, allowing guests to add their desired heat. The same goes for extra cheese; you can never have enough!
Pair your pasta with a simple side salad or crusty bread for added contrast and a full meal experience. This dish is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Expert Tips: Smoked Sausage Pasta
Creating a perfect Smoked Sausage Pasta goes beyond just following the recipe. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: The flavor of your dish heavily relies on the type of smoked sausage you select. Opt for high-quality sausage that you enjoy, as it can significantly elevate the flavor profile.
- Don’t Rush the Browning Process: Allow the sausage to caramelize properly, which adds layers of flavor to the dish. A good browning can intensify the overall taste.
- Adjust the Thickness of Your Sauce: If you find your sauce to be too thick, feel free to add a splash of chicken stock or half and half until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Vegetables: If you’re looking to add a nutritional boost, consider tossing in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. They’ll complement the dish and add more nutrients.
- Leftover Love: If you happen to have leftovers, store them for another delicious meal. The flavors actually deepen and marry together beautifully over time.
How to Store Smoked Sausage Pasta
If you’ve made more Smoked Sausage Pasta than you can eat in one sitting, you can easily store the leftovers for later enjoyment. Here are a few storage tips that help maintain the flavor and texture:
- Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or half and half to add moisture and revitalize the dish.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored pasta, reheat it in a skillet over low heat for even warming. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following these storage tips, you’ll keep your Smoked Sausage Pasta as fresh as the day you made it.
Variation of Smoked Sausage Pasta
While the classic Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delicious dish in its own right, variations can add a fresh twist. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Twist: Incorporate ingredients of a spinach and artichoke dip by adding mature spinach and canned or frozen artichokes into the sauce for a rich, creamy update that’s truly comforting.
- Veggie-Loaded Pasta: Incorporate a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of your meal.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. This adds layers of spice that can brighten up the flavors.
- Cheesy Bacon Bits: If you enjoy a crispy addition, toss in bits of turkey or beef bacon before serving for a delightful crunch and additional savory flavor.
Experimenting with these variations can keep your Smoked Sausage Pasta interesting and exciting every time you make it!
FAQs about Smoked Sausage Pasta
What type of sausage works best for Smoked Sausage Pasta?
You can use any smoked sausage of your preference. Popular choices include chicken, turkey, or beef varieties, each bringing its unique flavor to the dish.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini provides a lovely texture that holds onto the sauce well, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on your liking.
How can I make this pasta gluten-free?
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the rotini with a gluten-free pasta option available in most grocery stores. Be mindful that the cooking time may vary slightly from standard pasta.
Can I add more vegetables?
Sure! Smoked Sausage Pasta can easily accommodate more veggies. Consider adding spinach, kale, bell peppers, or any seasonal vegetables for an extra nutrient boost.
How do I ensure my sauce isn’t lumpy?
To prevent lumpy sauce, whisk continuously while adding liquid ingredients to the flour mixture. Starting with room temperature half and half and chicken stock also helps maintain a smooth consistency.
Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 16 oz rotini pasta Use any preferred pasta shape.
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced Choose a high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tbsp salted butter For making the roux.
- 2 tbsp flour To thicken the sauce.
- 4-7 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to taste.
- 3 cups half and half For a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup chicken stock Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp salt To taste.
- 1/2 tsp pepper To taste.
- 1 tsp oregano For added flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Any melting cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained To add freshness.
- 1/4 cup parmesan, shredded For serving.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Browning the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the half and half while whisking. Then add chicken stock, and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow to simmer gently.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the browned sausage back to the skillet along with the cooked rotini and drained diced tomatoes. Toss to combine.
- Top with shredded parmesan and serve or broil for a few minutes for a golden crust.