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- 8 oz penne pasta - 2 smoked sausages, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish In this recipe, the main ingredients create a rich and creamy base. The penne pasta serves as the perfect vessel for holding the sauce. Smoked sausages bring a wonderful depth of flavor. Heavy cream adds the silky texture, while chicken broth balances the dish. Next, we introduce additional ingredients that elevate the dish. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy contrast. Parmesan cheese brings saltiness and richness. Garlic adds aroma and depth, while Italian seasoning ties it all together. A sprinkle of fresh basil brightens each bite. This combination results in a delightful meal that is both easy to make and full of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in crafting a dish that feels gourmet yet comforting. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s al dente, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Slice 2 smoked sausages and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown on both sides. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors. Now, it’s time to make the sauce creamy. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh spinach, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Finally, toss your drained penne pasta into the creamy sausage mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil for a lovely touch. To get that rich, creamy feel, use heavy cream. It makes the sauce smooth and thick. Simmer the cream for just a few minutes. This helps it blend well with the other flavors. Too much heat can curdle the cream, so keep it gentle. Stir often to avoid burning. You can boost the taste with spices and herbs. Italian seasoning adds a nice touch. Fresh basil gives a sweet, bright flavor. You can also try red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh garlic is a must for depth. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. To save time, prep your ingredients first. Slice the sausages and chop the garlic ahead of time. You can even cook the pasta earlier. Just toss it in a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. This way, when you’re ready to cook, everything is quick and easy. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: To achieve al dente pasta, cook it just until it's firm to the bite. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the sausage and garlic, letting it reduce before adding the broth. Fresh Spinach Alternative: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce. Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor profile and creaminess. {{image_2}} You can change the smoked sausages for other types. Try chicken or turkey sausage. They give a lighter taste. You can also use vegetarian sausage for a meat-free option. For pasta, penne works well, but you can try rotini or fettuccine too. These shapes hold the sauce nicely. Adding veggies makes your dish more colorful and healthy. You can toss in bell peppers for sweetness. Zucchini adds a nice crunch. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor. Carrots give a bit of sweetness. You can also add broccoli for a green touch. Just make sure to cook them until tender. If you want a dairy-free version, you can swap heavy cream. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead. They add a different flavor but keep the creaminess. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese. These swaps make the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. To keep your smoked sausage pasta fresh, cool it down first. Spread it out in a thin layer on a plate. This helps it cool quicker. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it by. When you’re ready to eat, take the pasta out. You can reheat it in a few ways. The best method is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it's warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. To freeze your creamy pasta, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned before. Adding a little cream or broth while reheating helps restore its creamy texture. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just pick a shape you like. Each pasta type holds sauce differently. So, choose one that makes you happy! To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and add more if you want it hotter. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Spice it up to match your taste! This dish pairs well with a simple salad. A green salad with lemon vinaigrette is fresh and light. Garlic bread is also great for dipping in the creamy sauce. You could even serve it with roasted veggies for a colorful plate! This blog covered how to make creamy smoked sausage pasta. We discussed the key ingredients like penne, sausage, and heavy cream. You learned step-by-step on cooking, blending flavors, and adding tasty twists. When you try this recipe, remember that small changes can make a big impact. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to make it your own. Cooking should be fun and delicious!

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 pieces smoked sausages, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sausage mixture until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, dinner, pasta, sausage