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Smoked Sausage Pasta

Smoked Sausage Pasta
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Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick, hearty one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a flavorful medley of vegetables and cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, easy to customize, and enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Cheese & Herbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Oils & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Then, toss in the sliced smoked sausage, letting it brown and release those amazing smoky flavors.
  3. Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Stir in diced bell peppers and cook until they soften slightly. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece in the flavorful sauce. If the mixture feels dry, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water for extra moisture and shine.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss once more until the cheese melts, then garnish with fresh parsley for a final burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Use quality smoked sausage for the best smoky flavor.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; keep it al dente for optimal texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering it down.
  • Always add fresh herbs like parsley near the end to preserve their bright flavor.
  • Adjust spice gradually by starting with small amounts of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage pasta, quick pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, weeknight dinner, family-friendly recipe, easy sausage pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/smoked-sausage-pasta/