Ingredients:
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 16 oz box of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Dried parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. Prep Kielbasa and Pasta:
- Slice the kielbasa into small rounds.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sliced kielbasa until golden and slightly caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Add the shredded Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Add the browned kielbasa slices to the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and dried parsley.
6. Enjoy!
- This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is best served immediately while hot. Enjoy the savory flavors and creamy texture!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Note:
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the sauce preparation for extra color and nutrients. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a splash of pasta cooking water if desired.
Here are some tips to make your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta even more delightful:
- Choose Quality Sausage: Use a high-quality smoked sausage like kielbasa for robust flavor. You can also experiment with different types of smoked sausage for variety.
- Enhance the Creaminess: To achieve a rich and creamy sauce, ensure the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are of good quality. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Garlic Infusion: Sauté the minced garlic in butter until fragrant but not browned. This releases its aroma and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the seasoning carefully. Taste the sauce before combining it with the pasta to ensure it’s well-balanced with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if desired.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite). This helps it hold its texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Correctly: Toss the cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce while ensuring even coating.
- Use Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps bind it to the pasta and enhances the creaminess.
- Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds freshness and complements the richness of the creamy sauce and smoked sausage.
- Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of dried parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. This enhances both the presentation and flavors.
- Serve Hot: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is best served immediately while hot. This ensures the sauce remains creamy and coats the pasta perfectly.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta into a delightful and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!
To achieve the perfect Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, here are some secrets and detailed steps you can follow:
- Choose the Right Sausage: Select a high-quality smoked sausage like kielbasa or another flavorful variety. The smokiness of the sausage will add depth to the dish.
- Sauté the Sausage: Brown the sliced sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it develops a caramelized crust. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the sausage.
- Garlic and Butter Base: Start the sauce by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- Creamy Sauce Technique: Use a combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce. Start by heating the cream gently and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. This prevents clumping and ensures a velvety texture.
- Seasoning: Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that complements the smoky sausage.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (firm to the bite). This ensures the pasta maintains its texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Use Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps bind it to the pasta and enhances the creaminess without making it too heavy.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in freshly chopped parsley or basil just before serving. This adds a pop of freshness that balances the richness of the creamy sauce and smoky sausage.
- Garnish and Serve Hot: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of dried parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy texture and flavorful combination.
By following these secrets and steps, you’ll create a Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Enjoy your cooking!
Here are some popular questions and answers related to Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:
- What type of sausage is best for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?
- Kielbasa sausage is commonly used for its smoky flavor and hearty texture. You can also use other smoked sausage varieties like Andouille or chorizo for different flavor profiles.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Choose a shape that holds sauce well and complements the hearty texture of the sausage.
- How do I prevent the creamy sauce from becoming too thick or thin?
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a splash of pasta cooking water gradually. This starchy water helps thin out the sauce while binding it to the pasta.
- Can I make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta ahead of time?
- It’s best to serve the pasta immediately after tossing it with the sauce to maintain its creamy texture. If needed, you can prepare components like the sauce and sausage ahead and combine them with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
- What can I serve with Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?
- Garlic bread or a side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with this dish. The bread helps soak up the creamy sauce, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- How can I make the dish healthier?
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber. You can also incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes into the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
- Can I freeze Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?
- Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated, affecting the texture. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a few days.
- How do I reheat leftovers of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- What herbs can I use to garnish Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?
- Fresh parsley or basil are popular choices for garnishing this dish. Chop them finely and sprinkle over each serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Can I add additional cheese to the dish?
- Yes, you can sprinkle extra shredded Parmesan or another cheese of your choice over each serving for added richness and flavor.
These questions and answers should help you navigate making Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta and address common queries that arise while preparing and serving the dish. Enjoy your cooking!