Smoked Sausage Pasta is rich, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort. With smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Why We Love This Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
One of the main reasons this smoked sausage pasta recipe earns so much love is its simplicity. Within about 30 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful meal that feels like a real treat. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it accessible for everyone.
Another factor that heightens our affection for this dish is the delightful combination of flavors. The smokiness of the sausage, the creaminess of the cheese, and the freshness of the broccoli come together beautifully. With each bite, you enjoy a comforting and fulfilling experience that keeps mouths happy and the dinner table lively.
Additionally, this recipe offers versatility. You can swap out ingredients according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to add other vegetables, adjust the cheese types, or even mix in different types of pasta. The possibilities are endless! This adaptability, combined with its delicious taste, truly makes smoked sausage pasta a beloved dish among many.
Ingredients for Smoked Sausage Pasta
Creating your own smoked sausage pasta is easier than you might think. Gather the following ingredients to get started:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 13 ounces smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup finely-diced onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces (about 1 cup) smoked gouda cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Having these ingredients on hand guarantees that you can whip up this delicious dish whenever the craving hits. Each component plays a pivotal role in defining the dish’s overall flavor and texture, making them all essential.
How to Make Smoked Sausage Pasta
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your fabulous smoked sausage pasta.
Begin by cooking the macaroni: In a large pot filled with salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. As the macaroni completes its cooking process, add the coarsely chopped broccoli florets to the pot during the final 3 minutes. This ensures that the broccoli becomes slightly tender while keeping a bit of crunch. After the time is up, drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In the meantime, prepare the sausage and onions: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the sliced sausage rounds and finely-diced onion. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sausage is nicely browned and the onion becomes tender. When done, remove the sausage and onion from the skillet and place them on a plate. Make sure to wipe the skillet clean.
Create the creamy base: Return to the skillet and add the two tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt, stirring until it fully incorporates. After the butter melts, sprinkle the flour over it and continue to stir for approximately one minute. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, stirring constantly. Keep cooking for another 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly.
Incorporate the cheeses: Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Reduce the heat to low and begin adding your grated sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese along with the dry mustard. Stir the mixture continuously until all the cheese has completely melted into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Combine everything: With the sauce ready, it’s finally time to combine all the elements. Add the cooked macaroni, broccoli, sausage, and tender onion back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until well combined and coated in that delicious cheese sauce. Season with kosher salt and pepper according to your taste.
Serve and enjoy: To finish off your mouthwatering creation, garnish the dish with some freshly chopped parsley before serving. This will not only add a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the pasta.
With your smoked sausage pasta ready, you can now enjoy a delightful meal that has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Smoked Sausage Pasta
Serving smoked sausage pasta is just as important as crafting the dish itself. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with complementary sides. Here are a few ways to serve your pasta:
- Family-style: Serve in a large bowl and let your family or guests help themselves. This adds to the warmth and comfort of sharing a meal together. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a classic touch.
- Individual servings: For a more refined presentation, you can plate the pasta in individual bowls. This works well for dinner parties or special occasions, allowing everyone to enjoy their unique serving.
- Garnishes: Consider adding additional garnishes to elevate the dish. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a subtle kick, while extra cheese or fresh herbs can enhance flavor and presentation.
Storing your smoked sausage pasta in the refrigerator also allows you to enjoy leftovers the next day. Simply reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain its creamy consistency.
Expert Tips: Smoked Sausage Pasta
To ensure your smoked sausage pasta achieves its maximum flavor potential, consider the following expert tips:
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality smoked sausage to maximize flavor. Look for sausages with a rich, smoky taste that will enhance the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a different type of smoked sausage to add your unique twist.
- Pasta Options: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or something fun like farfalle for added texture and visual interest.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to include additional or alternative vegetables. Sweet bell peppers, spinach, or even canned tomatoes can add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with cheeses. If you prefer a milder flavor, mozzarella or a creamy cheese like fontina can work wonders. Combining different cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch over the weekend and divide it into portions to enjoy throughout the week. Just store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll elevate your smoked sausage pasta to the status of family favorite in no time.
How to Store Smoked Sausage Pasta
Should you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying your smoked sausage pasta, worry not! You can easily store it for later enjoyment.
- Cooling: Allow the smoked sausage pasta to cool completely before storing, as this helps prevent condensation from forming and makes for a better reheating experience.
- Containers: Place the cooled pasta into airtight containers. This can be a large container for family-sized portions or smaller containers for individual servings—whatever works best for your needs.
- Refrigeration: Your smoked sausage pasta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, —you might consider freezing it.
When reheating, you can add a splash of cream or milk to help restore the dish’s creamy texture, ensuring every bite is as comforting as the first.
Variations of Smoked Sausage Pasta
If you feel inspired to try new flavors, there are countless variations on smoked sausage pasta that you can experiment with:
- Spicy Variation: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that complements the smoky sausage beautifully.
- Veggie-Loaded Variation: Load up on more vegetables by incorporating zucchini, carrots, or even cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Italian Twist: Add Italian seasoning or crushed garlic during the cooking process for a flavorful Italian twist. You could also swap in some marinara sauce for a different sauce base.
- One-Pot Meal: Make meal prep even more efficient by cooking everything in one pot. Add the uncooked pasta and enough broth to cook it right alongside the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoked Sausage Pasta?
Smoked sausage pasta is a delectable dish that combines pasta, smoked sausage, creamy cheese, and vegetables like broccoli. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, making it great for busy nights or gatherings.
Can I make smoked sausage pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare smoked sausage pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep and can last for several days in an airtight container.
How can I customize smoked sausage pasta?
Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables, cheeses, and pasta shapes. You can add your favorite spices or herbs to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
How do I reheat smoked sausage pasta?
When reheating smoked sausage pasta, add a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture. You can either microwave it or gently reheat it on the stovetop.
Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
- 1.5 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 13 ounces smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 0.5 cups finely-diced onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups half-and-half cream
Cheeses and Seasoning
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- 4 ounces smoked gouda cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
- 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot filled with salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add the coarsely chopped broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Preparing the Sausage and Onions
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage rounds and finely-diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onion is tender.
- Remove the sausage and onion from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Creamy Base
- In the same skillet, add the two tablespoons of butter and melt it.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and stir for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
Combining Everything
- Reduce heat to low and add the grated cheddar and gouda cheese along with the dry mustard.
- Stir until all the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni, broccoli, sausage, and onion back into the skillet and gently toss to combine.
- Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.