Name: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 pkg smoked andouille beef sausage (diagonally sliced 1/4-in.-thick); 1.5 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears); 1 cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1 cup scallions (thinly sliced, divided); 1.5 Tbsp garlic cloves (minced); 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 can chunky diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained); 4 cups tap water; 12 oz uncooked penne; 0.75 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 oz smoked Gouda cheese (shredded); 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Hey there, friend! Emily Dawson here, from Emily’s Must-Try Kitchen. Let’s face it, weeknights can be chaotic. Between work, kids, and everything else life throws our way, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours slaving over a complicated dinner. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share my Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe with you. It’s a total game-changer – a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!

Growing up in Charleston, I learned that food is all about bringing people together. This recipe is inspired by those comforting Southern flavors I cherish, but with a fun, modern twist. Imagine tender pasta, juicy smoked sausage, sweet corn, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all mingling together in one glorious skillet. Sounds amazing, right? Trust me, it is! And the best part? Minimal cleanup!

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

Seriously, what’s not to love? This creamy smoked sausage pasta is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. But let’s break it down:

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoked sausage, sweet corn, and creamy cheese sauce is simply irresistible.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite veggies or cheeses.
Comfort Food at Its Finest: This skillet is like a warm hug on a plate – comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish:

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 (12-oz.) pkg. smoked andouille beef sausage, diagonally sliced 1/4-in.-thick
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)
1 medium-sized (7 oz.) red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 medium (4 oz.) bunch scallions, thinly sliced (about 5 medium), divided (about 1 cup)
4 large garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp.)
1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (10-oz.) can chunky diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Rotel), undrained
4 cups tap water
12 oz. uncooked penne
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
4 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)
2 Tbsp . finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

How To Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a simple guide to making this delicious pasta skillet:

Get Started: Gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.
Sear the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. The smoked sausage will release its delicious flavor into the drippings. Transfer the sausage to a bowl using a slotted spoon, but leave those flavorful drippings in the skillet – they’re liquid gold!
Sauté the Veggies: Add corn and bell pepper to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until browned and crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Then, add the white and light green parts of the scallions and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. This builds a delicious flavor base for the sauce.
Bloom the Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are coated, about 1 minute. This step, also known as “blooming” the spices, helps to unlock their full flavor potential.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in diced tomatoes and water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked penne pasta and reduce heat to medium to maintain a simmer.
Simmer and Stir: Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Add the beef smoked sausage and dark green parts of scallions into the pasta.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until starting to bubble. This creamy smoked sausage pasta is starting to come together!
Cheese, Please!: Remove from heat and stir in the smoked Gouda and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly to melt, about 2 minutes. The mozzarella isn’t used in this recipe, but feel free to add some for extra cheesiness! The cream and cheese create a luscious sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet!

Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage Pasta

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your pasta skillet is a smashing success:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and bell peppers will add the best flavor and texture to your skillet.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Taste and Season: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning.

The creamy sauce is what really brings this dish together. It’s so easy to make, and the result is simply divine. The pasta water helps to create a silky, emulsified sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes in the kitchen, but here are a few common ones to watch out for when making this skillet:

Not Browning the Sausage: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
Overcooking the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unappetizing. Keep a close eye on it and cook it al dente.
Not Stirring Frequently Enough: Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensures even cooking.
Adding Cold Cream: Adding cold heavy cream can cause the sauce to seize up. Make sure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet.
Using Too Much Water: Using too much water will result in a watery sauce. Be sure to measure the water carefully.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and learning. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re just learning opportunities in disguise!

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few delicious variations and substitutions you can try:

Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Different Pasta: Use a different type of pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
Chicken Broth: Substitute some of the water with chicken broth for added flavor.

This pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Store the leftover pasta skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta skillet in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Leftovers are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of sausage?: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of smoked sausage you like, such as kielbasa or Italian sausage.
Can I use frozen corn?: Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce.
Can I freeze this recipe?: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the pasta and sauce may become mushy when thawed.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet is sure to be a hit! I don’t think you’ll have much sausage for leftovers!

So there you have it – my Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using #EmilysMustTryKitchen. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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