Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Name: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz package of kielbasa, sliced into rounds; 16 oz box of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce; 3 tbsp tomato paste; ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Dried parsley for garnish

by Sophia

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There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of pasta to make any meal feel extra special. This Creamy 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 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 ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Let’s get started!

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it helps to have everything measured and prepped. Here’s what you’ll need:

Kielbasa – This smoked sausage adds incredible depth to the dish. You’ll need a 12-ounce package, sliced into bite-sized rounds.
Pasta – A hearty pasta like penne or rigatoni works best to hold onto the creamy sauce. You’ll need a 16-ounce box.

Butter & Garlic – The foundation of great flavor. Melted butter and minced garlic give the sauce a rich, aromatic base.
Heavy Cream & Tomato Sauce – These two create the perfect balance of creaminess and tangy tomato goodness.
Tomato Paste – Helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
Seasonings – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper bring everything together.
Dried Parsley – The finishing touch for a bit of color and added flavor.

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. This step is important because it brings out the delicious smoky flavor of the sausage.

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 add extra depth to the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

In 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 be golden and aromatic, not brown and bitter.

Now, it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 (8-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
3 tablespoons of tomato paste

Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well combined. Then, sprinkle in the seasonings:

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Mix everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it starting to thicken slightly, and that’s exactly what we want—it should coat the back of a spoon but still be smooth and creamy.

At this point, stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. This adds a deliciously rich and slightly salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage.

Now that we have a rich, creamy tomato sauce and perfectly browned kielbasa, it’s time to complete the dish. The final steps are simple but important—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 dish, penne or rigatoni work best because their ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce. But if you prefer spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rotini, go ahead and use what you have on hand.

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente—tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce, so be sure to check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.

Once the pasta is done, drain it well and set it aside. There’s no need to rinse it—keeping a little bit of that starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Skillet

Now comes the fun part—bringing everything together.

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 coated in that rich, flavorful sauce.

Next, return the browned kielbasa to the skillet and gently stir it in. The smoky sausage blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

At this stage, if the sauce seems too thick, you can 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.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

No dish is complete without a little garnish. Before serving, sprinkle a generous pinch of dried parsley over the pasta. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavors with a subtle, fresh note.

If you love extra cheese (who doesn’t?), feel free to grate a little more Parmesan on top for an added layer of richness.

Now, grab your plates and serve this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta while it’s hot. It’s a dish that’s meant to be enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet.

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some simple ways to customize it:

Make it spicy – If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy kielbasa instead of the traditional variety.
Go cheesier – For a richer sauce, increase the Parmesan cheese to ¾ cup or mix in a handful of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Lighten it up – Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Add veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the sauce ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions & Final Thoughts

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is one of those 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 get 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! Kielbasa adds a great smoky flavor, but you can easily substitute it with andouille sausage for extra spice, chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even Italian sausage for a more herbaceous taste.

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.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can 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.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.

5. Can I freeze this pasta?

While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may change texture when thawed. If you do freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and make sure your kielbasa is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should already be safe for a gluten-free diet.

7. What sides pair well with this pasta?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect side dishes to balance out the creamy richness of the pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The smoky kielbasa, rich tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a meal that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

What makes this recipe truly special is how customizable it is—you can tweak the ingredients to match your tastes, spice preference, or dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for your family, a cozy date night, or just treating yourself to some comfort food, this dish is sure to impress.

If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Did you make any modifications? Have a favorite side dish that pairs perfectly with it? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!