Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely. While smoked kielbasa brings a unique smoky flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to brown the sausage well to develop flavor before adding it to the pasta.

What kind of pasta works best with smoked sausage pasta?

Rotini is great because it holds the sauce in its spirals, but other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work just as well. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a chickpea or rice-based pasta, although the texture may vary slightly.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Smoked sausage pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This helps maintain the creamy texture without drying it out.

Smoked Sausage Pasta – Easy Creamy Dinner Recipe

Name: Smoked Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz kielbasa: provides a smoky, savory meat flavor; 16 oz rotini pasta: holds the creamy sauce well in its spirals; 2 tbsp butter: adds richness and helps build the sauce base; 2 tbsp minced garlic: enhances aroma and base flavor; 1 cup heavy whipping cream: adds creaminess and balances acidity; 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce: forms the base of the tomato cream sauce; 3 tbsp tomato paste: deepens tomato flavor and thickens the sauce; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: provides salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning: adds herbal depth; 1 tsp garlic powder: boosts the garlic profile; 1/2 tsp salt: enhances overall flavor; 1/2 tsp black pepper: adds mild heat and balance; 1 tsp dried parsley: garnish for color and freshness

Description

This creamy smoked sausage pasta is a rich and comforting dinner made with smoky kielbasa, a luscious tomato cream sauce, and rotini pasta. It’s a quick, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare using pantry staples — perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz kielbasa: provides a smoky, savory meat flavor
16 oz rotini pasta: holds the creamy sauce well in its spirals
2 tbsp butter: adds richness and helps build the sauce base
2 tbsp minced garlic: enhances aroma and base flavor
1 cup heavy whipping cream: adds creaminess and balances acidity
2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce: forms the base of the tomato cream sauce
3 tbsp tomato paste: deepens tomato flavor and thickens the sauce
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: provides salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning: adds herbal depth
1 tsp garlic powder: boosts the garlic profile
1/2 tsp salt: enhances overall flavor
1/2 tsp black pepper: adds mild heat and balance
1 tsp dried parsley: garnish for color and freshness

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Instructions

Slice the kielbasa into small rounds and prepare all other ingredients.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sliced kielbasa until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
Return the cooked kielbasa to the pan and stir to combine or top the dish with it.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and dried parsley before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Double the kielbasa if feeding a large family or hearty eaters.
Substitute with turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage as needed.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Leftovers reheat well — add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg