There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of pasta to make any meal feel extra special. This Smoked Sausage Pasta is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—rich, hearty, easy to make, and packed with flavor. The combination of smoky kielbasa, a velvety tomato-based sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that feels like pure comfort on a plate.
One of the best things about this Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe is how quickly it comes together. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for something indulgent to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Let’s get started on this flavor-packed Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe!
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Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it helps to have everything measured and prepped. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Smoked Sausage Pasta:
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Kielbasa – This smoked sausage adds incredible depth to the dish. You’ll need a 12-ounce package, sliced into bite-sized rounds.
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Pasta – A hearty pasta like penne or rigatoni works best to hold onto the creamy sauce. You’ll need a 16-ounce box.
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Butter & Garlic – The foundation of great flavor. Melted butter and minced garlic give the sauce a rich, aromatic base.
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Heavy Cream & Tomato Sauce – These two create the perfect balance of creaminess and tangy tomato goodness.
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Tomato Paste – Helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
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Seasonings – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper bring everything together for a bold, well-rounded flavor.
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Dried Parsley – The finishing touch for a pop of color and added freshness.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s start cooking this irresistible Smoked Sausage Pasta!
Step 1: Cook the Smoked Sausage
To start, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, or until the edges turn golden brown and slightly crispy. This step is essential because it enhances the delicious smoky flavor of the sausage, giving the dish an extra depth of taste.
Once the kielbasa is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about wiping the pan—those flavorful browned bits left behind will help add even more depth to the sauce in the next step.
With the sausage prepped, your Smoked Sausage Pasta is well on its way to becoming a flavor-packed, creamy delight!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce for Smoked Sausage Pasta
Now that the smoked sausage is beautifully browned, it’s time to create the rich, creamy tomato sauce that makes this Smoked Sausage Pasta absolutely irresistible.
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should turn golden and aromatic, but not brown or bitter.
Building the Sauce
Now, it’s time to build the creamy tomato sauce that will coat the pasta perfectly. Pour in:
✔ 1 cup heavy whipping cream – Adds a silky, creamy texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
✔ 2 (8-ounce) cans of tomato sauce – Creates a rich, tomato-forward base.
✔ 3 tablespoons of tomato paste – Helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the bold tomato flavor.
Give everything a good stir, making sure the ingredients are well combined.
Seasoning the Sauce
To enhance the depth of flavor, add:
✔ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs for that classic Italian taste.
✔ 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the garlicky flavor without overpowering the sauce.
✔ ½ teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors.
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
Mix everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken slightly—this is exactly what we want! The texture should be smooth and creamy, coating the back of a spoon without being too runny.
Adding the Parmesan Cheese
At this point, stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. This adds a deliciously rich, slightly salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage. The cheese also helps to thicken the sauce slightly, making it extra creamy and flavorful.
Bringing It All Together: Cooking the Pasta and Assembling Smoked Sausage Pasta
Now that we have a rich, creamy tomato sauce and perfectly browned kielbasa, it’s time to bring everything together. These final steps are simple but crucial—cooking the pasta just right and ensuring every bite is coated in that delicious sauce.
Let’s dive right in!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
While the sauce is simmering, it’s the perfect time to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the 16-ounce box of pasta of your choice.
For this Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe, penne or rigatoni work best because their ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
💡 Pasta Alternatives:
✔ Penne or rigatoni – Best for capturing sauce in every groove.
✔ Rotini or fusilli – Twisted shape locks in the creamy texture.
✔ Fettuccine or spaghetti – Works well if you love long, silky noodles coated in sauce.
✔ Gluten-free pasta – A great option for those avoiding wheat.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but aim for al dente—firm to the bite—since it will absorb more flavor when combined with the sauce.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case we need to loosen the sauce later.
Now, get ready for the final step—assembling this irresistible Smoked Sausage Pasta! 🍝🔥
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Skillet
Now comes the best part—bringing everything together to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful Smoked Sausage Pasta!
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Using a large spoon or tongs, toss the pasta until every piece is fully coated in that velvety, flavorful sauce. This ensures that every bite is packed with the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors.
Reintroducing the Smoked Sausage
Next, return the browned kielbasa to the skillet and gently stir it in. As it combines with the creamy sauce, the smoky, savory flavors of the sausage infuse into the dish, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Just a couple of tablespoons will do the trick, creating a smoother, silkier consistency while helping the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Your Smoked Sausage Pasta
No dish is complete without the perfect finishing touch! Before serving, sprinkle a generous pinch of dried parsley over your Smoked Sausage Pasta. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a subtle, fresh note that complements the creamy, smoky flavors beautifully.
💡 Want to take it up a notch?
✔ More cheese, please! If you love extra cheesiness (who doesn’t?), grate a little more Parmesan on top for an added layer of richness and depth.
✔ A hint of spice: If you enjoy a little kick, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
✔ Fresh herbs: If you have fresh parsley or basil, chop some up and sprinkle it on top for an even brighter, fresher finish.
Now, grab your plates and serve this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta while it’s hot. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the flavors are at their peak.
Tips and Variations for Smoked Sausage Pasta
Want to make this Smoked Sausage Pasta your own? Here are some simple ways to customize it and elevate the flavors!
🔥 Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat, try these easy ways to spice up your pasta:
✔ Add red pepper flakes – A small pinch goes a long way! Sprinkle it into the sauce while simmering or right before serving.
✔ Use spicy kielbasa – Swap the traditional smoked sausage for a spicy variety like hot kielbasa or andouille sausage for an extra kick.
✔ Drizzle hot sauce – A little sriracha, Tabasco, or chili oil can add a bold heat to each bite.
🧀 Go Cheesier
If you can’t resist extra cheesy pasta, here’s how to take it to the next level:
✔ Increase the Parmesan – Use ¾ cup of Parmesan instead of ½ cup for a richer, saltier bite.
✔ Mix in mozzarella – Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella while tossing the pasta for a creamier, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✔ Try cream cheese – For a super velvety sauce, add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese while the sauce is simmering.
🌱 Lighten It Up
Want a healthier version without sacrificing flavor? Try these substitutions:
✔ Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, yet still creamy texture.
✔ Swap in Greek yogurt – Stir in ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt after removing the pan from heat for a protein-packed alternative.
✔ Opt for turkey or chicken sausage – These are leaner options while still giving that delicious smoked flavor.
🥦 Add Veggies
Boost nutrition and texture by adding fresh vegetables to your Smoked Sausage Pasta!
✔ Spinach – Wilts beautifully into the sauce and adds a subtle earthiness.
✔ Mushrooms – Sauté with garlic for a rich umami flavor.
✔ Bell peppers – A great way to add sweetness and crunch.
✔ Zucchini or cherry tomatoes – Toss them in for extra freshness and color.
💡 Pro Tip: If adding vegetables, sauté them along with the garlic before adding the sauce ingredients for maximum flavor!
These customizations allow you to create a Smoked Sausage Pasta that perfectly matches your taste and dietary preferences!
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is one of those go-to meals that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with smoky, cheesy, and creamy goodness. But before you start cooking, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you get the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a fantastic smoky depth of flavor, you can easily swap it out for:
✔ Andouille sausage – Adds a bold spicy kick
✔ Chicken sausage – A leaner alternative with great flavor
✔ Italian sausage – A more herbaceous, savory option
✔ Vegan sausage – A great plant-based alternative
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce. However, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, including spaghetti or fettuccine.
💡 Pro Tip: If using long pasta, toss it well with the sauce to ensure even coating.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! If you want to prep ahead:
✔ Make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta in the fridge for up to 3 days
✔ When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the cooked pasta, and stir until warmed through
This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
✔ On the stove: Warm it gently over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed
✔ In the microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round to prevent drying out
5. Can I freeze this pasta?
While you can freeze it, note that creamy sauces tend to change texture after thawing.
✔ Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months
✔ To reheat: Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove with a splash of extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency
6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
✔ Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta—brands like Barilla and Banza work great
✔ Make sure your smoked sausage is labeled gluten-free
✔ The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels!
7. What sides pair well with this pasta?
A simple side dish can perfectly balance out the richness of this Smoked Sausage Pasta
✔ Garlic bread – Because more carbs = more happiness!
✔ Simple green salad – Adds a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta
✔ Roasted vegetables – Try broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious boost
✔ Steamed or sautéed spinach – A quick, healthy addition
💡 Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect comfort food—easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. The smoky kielbasa, rich tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe truly special is how versatile it is—you can tweak the ingredients to match your taste, spice preference, or dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for your family, a cozy date night, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
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Smoked Sausage Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Description
Ingredients
- package of kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- box of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- butter
- minced garlic
- heavy whipping cream
- cans tomato sauce
- tomato paste
- shredded Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- Dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare IngredientsSlice the kielbasa into small rounds and measure out all seasonings. If using a block of Parmesan cheese, shred it before cooking.
- Cook the SausageHeat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sliced kielbasa until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the SauceIn the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the PastaWhile the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine EverythingAdd the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until well coated. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Garnish and ServeSprinkle dried parsley over the pasta before serving. Enjoy while hot!