Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta recipe

Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The smoky sausage combined with gooey mozzarella and tender pasta creates a delightful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To make Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta, you’ll need:

• Essential Ingredients:
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish
• Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Preparation

Prepping the Ingredients:

1. Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds.
2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cooking the Smoked Sausage

Sautéing the Sausage:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Adding Vegetables:

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
2. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

Making the Sauce

Combining the Ingredients:

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream to the skillet.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Seasoning the Sauce:

1. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Optionally, stir in the smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Mixing the Pasta:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Melting the Mozzarella:

1. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and gooey.
2. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix until everything is well combined.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Side Dishes:

1. Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Variations

Using Different Sausages:

1. Try using chicken sausage, Italian sausage, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.

Adding Different Cheeses:

1. Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a creamy twist.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Even Cooking:

1. Make sure the sausage is sliced evenly to ensure it cooks at the same rate.

Balancing the Flavors:

1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Sausage?
   • Yes, pre-cooked sausage works well and can save time. Just slice and brown it slightly.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sausage ahead of time. Combine and reheat just before serving.
4. What Pasta Works Best?
   • Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape works well for this recipe.
5. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
   • Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy pasta. Give it a try and savor the smoky, cheesy goodness!

Yield: 6

Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta recipe

Print

Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The smoky sausage combined with gooey mozzarella and tender pasta creates a delightful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps Oil
• 2 lbs Smoked Sausage cut in ½ inch slices
• 2 lb Rigatoni Pasta
• 1 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
• For the Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 4 tbsp Flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
• 1 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions

• Start water boiling for pasta. (salt if desired)

• In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add sliced sausage pieces. Fry them until slightly browned then remove from heat.

• Add pasta to boiling water and cook as directed on the package. Drain in colander and return to pot, away from heat.

• In a sauce pan over medium-high heat, add butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once melted add flour and cook for 3 minutes. Whisk in milk and let cook for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add salt and paprika. Then whisk in cheese one handful at a time until fully incorporated. Lastly add heavy cream and stir to combine. Let bubble another two minutes.

• Add cooked sausage and cheese sauce to pot with cooked pasta. Stir to fully coat.

• Serve with sprinkle of red pepper flakes and parsley.