Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender rotini pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce with smoky slices of sausage and diced tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that combines bold flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz rotini pasta
Sausage
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 to 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced smoked sausage until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the roux: Stir in the flour to the melted butter and garlic mixture, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add liquids: Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Season and simmer: Add salt, pepper, and oregano to the sauce. Allow it to simmer gently until it thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese and tomatoes: Stir in the shredded cheese and drained diced tomatoes. Continue cooking until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta and sausage: Return the browned sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat in the sauce and heat through evenly.
- Serve: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an added layer of flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille for varied smoky flavors.
- Use your preferred shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different taste profile.
- If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
