Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and a comforting texture. It’s quick to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of smoked sausage, cream, and parmesan creates a delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Plus, adding spinach gives it a healthy twist without losing any of that creamy goodness.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, drizzle in some olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
- Drop in your sliced sausage and cook until it gets a lovely golden brown.
- Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Gently mix in the cooked pasta and the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This pasta is best served warm. You can garnish it with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, heat it up in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
Tips to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Use any type of pasta you like. Gluten-free pasta works well if you need it.
- Feel free to add more veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
Variation
You can switch the smoked sausage for chicken or shrimp for a different taste. Adding crushed red pepper can give it a nice kick if you enjoy spicy food.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any kind of sausage you like. Italian sausage or turkey sausage are great alternatives.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Make sure to store in an airtight container.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with a meat substitute or add extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- 1 cup chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup spinach Fresh spinach preferred.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated For garnish, feel free to add more.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil For cooking the sausage.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, drizzle in some olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until it gets a lovely golden brown.
- Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Gently mix in the cooked pasta and the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy.