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Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta

A hearty and creamy pasta dish featuring smoked sausage and cream cheese, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini) You can use any pasta shape you prefer.
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Choose your favorite variety.
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian alternative.
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes Can be canned or fresh.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For additional flavor.
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped Yellow onion works best.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the sausage.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or a mix of dried basil and oregano.

Method
 

Cooking the pasta
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve a ladle of pasta water and then drain the rest.
Sautéing the sausage
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding aromatics
  1. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Mixing in the tomatoes
  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Creating the cream sauce
  1. Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts and incorporates smoothly with the tomatoes.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Combining with pasta
  1. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sausage mixture until everything is well mixed.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color. This dish can be served with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.