Indulge your taste buds with a creamy, savory delight that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table! Our Smoked Sausage Penne Alfredo is not just another pasta dish—it's a mouthwatering experience that combines tender penne, rich Alfredo sauce, and smoky sausage in a symphony of flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of penne pasta, 1 lb of smoked sausage (sliced), 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and heated through.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
- Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sausage and Alfredo sauce, tossing to combine everything evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for a minute. This will help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Serve the Smoked Sausage Penne Alfredo immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure to cook your penne pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
- Sautéing the Sausage: For extra flavor, consider using a smoked sausage with herbs or spices. This will add depth to your dish and enhance the overall taste.
- Creamy Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce turns out too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. This not only adjusts the consistency but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation!
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the sausage for a few minutes to soften.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 902kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 65g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Cholesterol: 170mg
