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One-Pot Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

Close-up of creamy sausage pasta featuring rotini, sliced smoked sausage, and wilted spinach in a dark skillet.

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Make this easy, comforting one-pot creamy smoked sausage pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced smoked sausage in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the pasta, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and return the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely.
  7. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and melted.
  8. Serve the creamy sausage pasta immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute smoked sausage with Italian sausage or andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

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