Description

Creamy Smoked Sausage Penne is a quick, one-pan pasta dish featuring smoky sausage, tender penne, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting and flavorful without much fuss.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

12 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy on the edges, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Return the sausage to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add a splash of broth or pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Add baby spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more veggies.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.

Try cheddar or Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella.

Use gluten-free penne for a gluten-free version.

Use half-and-half and reduce cheese for a lighter option.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream, milk, or broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 65mg