This creamy mozzarella pasta is a hug in a bowl! With tender pasta, smoky sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s a quick dish that feels like a treat.
Every bite is cheesy goodness, with a little kick from the sausage. I often serve it with a sprinkle of herbs on top—like a stylish chef, but really, it’s just for the photo! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for its shape and great sauce-holding abilities. However, you can easily switch to rigatoni or any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or farfalle, depending on your mood!
Smoked Sausage: Kielbasa is my go-to, but you can use any smoked sausage you prefer. If you want a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider adding mushrooms or a meat alternative.
Heavy Cream: This helps make the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace it with half-and-half or a dairy-free option like coconut cream. Keep in mind the flavor may change slightly!
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds that stretchy, gooey texture. When fresh mozzarella is not available, pre-shredded works too! For extra flavor, use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or gouda.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
Getting a smooth, creamy sauce is key to this dish. The most important step is adding the cheeses gently. Instead of tossing everything in at once, follow these tips:
- Reduce the heat to low once you add the cheese to prevent it from cooking too fast.
- Add the cheese gradually, stirring continuously—it helps melt evenly and prevents clumping.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Taking the time during this step will reward you with a velvety sauce!
How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Pasta with Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy mozzarella pasta dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and about 20 minutes cooking the sauce and combining everything. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and heated through.
3. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for around 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor to the dish!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will help combine and heat all the flavors.
5. Season the Sauce:
Add in the Italian seasoning, and taste for salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheeses:
Turn the heat down to low and mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted, and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing well to coat all the pasta with that creamy sauce. Make sure every piece is covered in cheesy goodness.
8. Heat Together:
Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamy mozzarella pasta with smoky sausage!
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, and I hope you love it as much as I do!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a great flavor, you can substitute it with kielbasa, Italian sausage, or even chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of sausage you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You could also add some cooked lentils for extra protein and texture!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove, then toss in the pasta until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the sauce seems thick, just add a splash of milk or broth to creamy it up again!