Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta 🧀🌭🍝

This delightful Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky sausage goodness. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese for a personal touch!

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz of your favorite pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or bow tie)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa or andouille work well)

For the cheese sauce

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

🍳 Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. It can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

2. Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Add the Sausage: Toss the sliced smoked sausage into the skillet, mixing it with the onion and garlic. Cook until the sausage is browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.

6. Serve and Garnish: Divide the Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta into bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley and additional cheese, if desired.

🍽️ This dish is best served hot and can be accompanied by garlic bread or a simple salad to round out the meal.

Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. Sauté them along with the onions for added flavor!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. 🔥
• Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a distinct flavor twist.
• Low-Carb: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a healthier option.

Enjoy your creamy and savory Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta! 🍝🧀🌶️