Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe combines savory smoked kielbasa with a rich, creamy tomato sauce tossed with rotini pasta. Perfectly browned sausage slices and a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese create a comforting and flavorful dish ready in 40 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 2 (12 oz) packages of Kielbasa, sliced into ½ inch pieces
Pasta
- 16 oz rotini pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice the kielbasa into ½ inch pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage slices. Cook them until browned and crispy on the edges to develop flavor. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In 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 whipping cream, tomato sauce, and tomato paste until well combined. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in half (½ cup) of the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated and the sausage is well distributed. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for a hearty and creamy meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for this dish.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
