Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: A Deliciously Comforting Dish
Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta! This hearty dish combines savory smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce for a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, including variations for keto and low-carb diets, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 12 oz package Kielbasa or smoked sausage
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 16 oz box pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Smoked Sausage: Slice the kielbasa or smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until melted. Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir until evenly coated with the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the creamy smoked sausage pasta with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the dish for added color and nutrition. Simply sauté the vegetables with the garlic before adding the tomato paste and sauce.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Use Different Pasta: While the recipe calls for traditional pasta, you can easily swap it out for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this dish, simply make the following substitutions:
- Pasta Replacement: Instead of traditional pasta, use spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content.
- Tomato Sauce Alternative: Look for sugar-free or low-carb tomato sauce options at your local grocery store, or make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Creamy Sauce Adjustments: Use heavy cream and cream cheese instead of heavy whipping cream and butter for a richer, lower-carb sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or chicken sausage, to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage in advance, then simply reheat everything and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? While the dish can be refrigerated for a few days, pasta tends to lose its texture when frozen and reheated. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days for the best taste and texture.
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, hearty smoked sausage, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this flavorful dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of comfort food bliss!
