This creamy pasta dish combines the zesty flavor of smoked sausage with rich cream cheese for a hearty meal. It’s simple to whip up and perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how quick this meal comes together, making weeknight cooking less stressful. Plus, you can easily sneak in some veggies for extra goodness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its shape, which holds on to the sauce. If it’s not available, any pasta works – penne or fusilli are great options too!
Smoked Sausage: The sausage really adds a nice smoky flavor. You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option or even use plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist!
Corn: Fresh corn provides a sweet crunch, but frozen or canned corn works just as well! If you prefer, diced bell peppers or zucchini can be great substitutes, adding some nice color and nutrition.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce creamy. If you’re watching calories, you could use Neufchâtel cheese instead. Dairy-free cream cheese is also a good alternative if you’re vegan.
How Do I Ensure a Smooth Cream Sauce?
Creating a smooth cream sauce is key for this dish! Start by letting the cream cheese soften at room temperature. This helps it melt evenly. Once you add it to the skillet, lower the heat and stir often to prevent it from clumping. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Always add milk gradually after the cream cheese has melted. This helps it blend smoothly.
- If you run into lumps, try whisking the sauce while it heats – it can help smooth things out!
Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust to desired sauce consistency)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy and flavorful pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and sausage, and then around 20 minutes mixing everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook The Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook The Smoked Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook it until browned on both sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This gives the sausage a nice flavor and crispiness!
3. Add The Corn:
Once the sausage is browned, add the corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté the corn with the sausage for about 2-3 minutes until the corn is warmed through. If you’re using frozen corn, wait until it’s thawed and heated before moving on to the next step.
4. Create The Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to lower the heat. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it starts to melt and blend with the sausage and corn. This is the base of your creamy sauce!
5. Add Milk For Sauce Consistency:
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring the mixture. Continue to mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. You can adjust the amount of milk based on how thick or thin you prefer your sauce to be.
6. Season The Sauce:
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Combine With The Pasta:
Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce, sausage, and corn mixture.
8. Heat Through:
Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is heated through and bubbling gently. This helps combine all the flavors nicely!
9. Serve And Enjoy:
Finally, serve the creamy smoked sausage pasta hot. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Dig in and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!
This meal is not only creamy and hearty but also bursting with flavor, offering a wonderful balance between the richness of cream cheese, the smokiness of the sausage, and the sweetness of corn. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ for Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta
Can I Use A Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini pasta works great in this recipe, you can substitute it with any shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
Yes, you can make a few easy swaps! Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional smoked sausage for a leaner option. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If your cream sauce ends up too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, and stir until you reach the desired consistency. This will help create a smooth and creamy sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.
