Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring smoked sausage and a rich cream cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 0.5 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup corn (canned or cooked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by softening the cream cheese. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before cooking, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Remember to reserve some pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes a smooth sauce, which should take a few minutes.
- Return the sausage and onion mixture to the skillet, along with the corn (drain if using canned). Stir well and let it heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the hot pasta water before draining the pasta to achieve your desired consistency.
- Toss the drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Serve immediately, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top for a lovely garnish!
Notes
For a little extra flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables for added nutrition! No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.