This Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta is a crowd-pleaser! With creamy cheese, hearty sausage, and pasta, it’s a delicious, quick meal that’s ready in no time.
I love how this dish feels fancy but is super easy to make. Just cook the pasta, sauté the sausage, and mix in that creamy goodness. Dinner is served, and no one has to know how simple it was! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini for its fun shape and ability to hold onto the sauce. However, you can swap it with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Smoked Sausage: Smoked sausage adds a robust flavor. If you’re after a lighter option, try turkey sausage or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian alternative, sauté some bell peppers or mushrooms instead.
Corn: Fresh corn is great, but frozen corn works just as well if you’re in a hurry. If you don’t have corn, diced bell peppers or peas can add color and sweetness too.
Cream Cheese: This is the star for creaminess! If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew cream. Greek yogurt can also be used for a tangy twist but remember it might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Clumps?
Making a smooth and creamy sauce is key in this recipe. Here’s how you do it:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it melt easily.
- As you add the milk, stir constantly to combine. This will help produce a smooth mixture without clumps.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid cooking too quickly, which can cause separation.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your sauce is silky and delicious! Enjoy your cooking!
Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take around 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, plus another 15-20 minutes cooking the sausage and making the sauce. Just a quick and tasty meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means firm to the bite!). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on both sides. This should take about 5-6 minutes, and it’ll smell amazing!
3. Add the Corn:
Next, toss in the corn kernels. If you’re using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it first; just cook everything together for another 2 minutes, stirring as you go.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens!
5. Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors nicely.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it all around so the pasta gets coated evenly in that luscious creamy sauce. Cook everything together for 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through.
7. Serve It Up:
Once everything is hot and well mixed, it’s time to serve! Scoop out generous portions onto plates or into bowls, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta with smoky sausage and sweet corn! Bon appétit!
FAQ for Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can substitute it with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even veggie sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular rotini. Most grocery stores offer a variety of gluten-free pasta options that work perfectly in this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t available, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly, so add in a bit more seasoning to balance it out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
