Name: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe: Rich, & Smoky
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 –14 oz smoked sausage (sliced); 12 oz short pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (drained); 1½ cups shredded cheddar; ½ cup grated Parmesan; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt & pepper

Introduction

Table of Contents

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is pure weeknight indulgence—smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone sprint to the table. Presented in a wide white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this pasta offers a glossy, golden sauce and cozy aesthetic that screams comfort food upgraded.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta (serves 4–6): • 12–14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, cavatappi, or rotini)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (or 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved)
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or Italian blend cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning

For Serving: • Fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Process

Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and caramelized. Remove to a plate (leave the flavorful oil behind).
Sauté the aromatics
Add onion to the pan with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast the pasta (the secret step)
Add dry pasta to the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes so it absorbs all the smoky flavor and lightly toasts—this prevents mushy pasta.
Add liquids
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits. Add drained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
Simmer until perfect
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Make it creamy
Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until they are completely melted and silky. Add the browned sausage back in and toss to coat.
Rest & serve
Let it sit 3–5 minutes off the heat—the sauce will thicken to the perfect clingy consistency. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Brown the sausage hard—those crispy edges are flavor gold
• Toast the dry pasta in the pan—prevents it from getting gummy
• Use full-fat heavy cream—no substitutions, or it won’t thicken right
• Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy
• Stir every few minutes while simmering—keeps pasta from sticking
• Make it ahead—reheats beautifully with a splash of milk

Variations and Customization

• Spicy Cajun: add Cajun seasoning + bell pepper with the onion
• Veggie-Loaded: stir in spinach or broccoli the last 2 minutes
• Lightened-Up: use half-and-half + extra broth (still creamy!)
• Mushroom Lover: sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the sausage
• Bacon Upgrade: add 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• Luxe Truffle: finish with ½ tsp truffle oil or truffle salt

Storage and Serving Tips

• Tastes even better the next day—flavors deepen overnight
• Fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer up to 3 months (cream sauce holds up surprisingly well)
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth
• Quick refresh: add fresh cheese and broil 2 minutes for a crispy top
• Perfect with garlic bread and a simple green salad

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:

Calories: 680 kcal
Protein: 28g
Total Fat: 42g (Saturated 20g)
Carbohydrates: 50g

Conclusion

This creamy smoked sausage pasta is the one-pan dinner that disappears in minutes and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Smoky, garlicky, cheesy, and impossibly comforting—it’s the kind of meal you’ll make again next week because no one can get enough. Keep smoked sausage in the fridge, and you’re always 25 minutes away from pure dinner happiness.