Craving a dinner that’s quick to whip up, surprisingly healthy, and packed with flavor? Look no further! As someone who juggles a busy workday with a love for delicious home-cooked meals, I understand the struggle. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight solution that even the pickiest eaters will devour. Trust me, this one’s a winner!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, Sunday dinners were a big deal. My grandma always had some sort of pasta dish simmering on the stove, filling the house with incredible aromas. While this Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta isn’t exactly her classic spaghetti and meatballs, it captures the same comforting, family-friendly spirit. It’s a modern twist on those cherished flavors – quicker, simpler, but just as satisfying. It reminds me of happy times gathered around the table, and I hope it brings the same joy to your family.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
Sausage & Veggies:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Thin the Sauce: Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and cream cheese sauce. Toss to coat completely.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.1 pound pasta
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.1 pound smoked sausage, 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.2 cloves garlic
- Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth.8 ounces cream cheese
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.1/2 cup milk
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and cream cheese sauce. Toss to coat completely.1 pound pasta, 1 pound smoked sausage, 8 ounces cream cheese
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately.Fresh parsley, Red pepper flakes