Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta
This Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta is a quick and budget-friendly meal that will please the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in no time.
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Pasta is a staple for dinner in our household because my family loves it. Some of our favorite pasta recipes are Chicken Tortellini Casserole, Instant Pot Penne A La Vodka, Ravioli Pomodoro, or Tuscan Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the ingredients that you will need to make this recipe. You can find the full list in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- penne pasta – You can also use any type of pasta that you have on hand, my family prefers the round noodles, as the creamy sauce sticks to them better.
- olive oil – You can also use canola oil or vegetable oil.
- smoked sausage – any type of smoked sausage that your family enjoys.
- onion – I like to use a sweet or yellow onion. White would also work.
- minced garlic – I like to use fresh garlic cloves, however you can use the jarred kind, or even 1 teaspon of garlic powder.
- bell peppers – I like to use a blend of colors such as green, red, and yellow. However, you can use any colors, you will just need three peppers.
- diced tomatoes
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese – I prefer to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the canned kind.
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the instructions to make this recipe. You can find the full steps in the recipe card.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, and then brown the smoked sausage in a large skillet with the olive oil. Remove the sausage from the skillet and keep warm.
Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender. Then add the garlic and state for 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth and seasonings to the skillet. Mix and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
Add the cooked pasta, toss to coat, and add the parmesan cheese. For 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Garnish and serve.
Hint: Make sure to check the package directions for the pasta that you are using, so that you can cook it for the correct time.
Storage
Storage – Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezing – I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Reheating – I’ve found the best way to reheat this dish is in the skillet. If you find that it is a little dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help thin it out, You can also reheat single servings in the microwave.
Wendy’s Test Kitchen Tips
- I like to slice the smoked sausage into 1/2 inch thick slices.
- If you are using garlic powder instead of minced garlic, add when you add the other seasonings.
- To save a little time in the kitchen, you can cook the pasta ahead and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use.
FAQs
The difference is that smoked sausage is typically an American style smoked meat, and kielbasa originated in Poland. They are usually seasoned a little differently.
Yes, smoked sausage is fully cooked, however it’s recommended that you heat it up to kill the bacteria.
Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds smoked sausage sliced
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and keep warm.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and heat for 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir in the oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the sausage to the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
