Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
807 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
Description
Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta uses fully cooked smoked sausage slices browned with chopped onion and garlic to build flavor. Cream cheese softened ahead of time is melted into chicken broth with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes to form a silky sauce. The sausage and corn are returned to the pan to meld with the sauce before tossing with cooked al dente pasta.
The result is a hearty and comforting pasta dish with the smoky, savory depth of the sausage balanced by the creamy, tangy sauce and slight crunch and sweetness from the corn. Sautéing the sausage and onions deepens the flavor while the cream cheese sauce binds the components well. It can be served as a filling weeknight dinner or casual meal.
The recipe notes suggest types of sausage including Ukrainian smoked sausage or kielbasa, recommending fully cooked varieties for convenience and less grease. Adjust seasoning to taste and note that nutritional values depend on sausage choice.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced SEE NOTE
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened, block of Philly
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup corn canned or already cooked, cut off the cob
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour prior to starting the recipe or microwave it for 20-30 seconds so it's very soft. Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the oil and sausage slices to a skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and continue sautéing for another few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage has nicely browned and the onions have softened up and lightly browned as well.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the contents of the skillet to a plate and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth, cream cheese (I cut it into smaller pieces first), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir it constantly until it's a nice, smooth sauce (this will take a few minutes).
- Add the sausage/onions back to the skillet, along with the corn (drain the corn if using canned), and give it a good stir. Let it heat through for a minute or two.
- If the sauce has thickened up a bit too much, add a few tablespoons of the hot pasta water prior to draining the pasta.
- Toss the drained pasta with the sauce (add the pasta to the skillet) and serve immediately. Season with salt & pepper as needed. I added a bit of fresh parsley for garnish (optional... use if you happen to have some).
Notes
- Use fully cooked smoked sausage like Ukrainian coil, kielbasa, or Polish sausage; if raw sausage is used, cook longer and drain excess fat as needed.
- Softening cream cheese before use helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to preference for mild heat or omit if desired.
- Nutritional information is approximate and varies depending on sausage type.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 807 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 807kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 54g | 83% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol | 143mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1367mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 528mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 886IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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