Description
This creamy and flavorful Cream Cheese Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with smoky sausage, a smooth cream cheese sauce, sautéed onions, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers rich textures and savory taste in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese (block of Philly, softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (see note)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup corn (canned or cooked corn cut off the cob)
Instructions
- Prep the Cream Cheese and Pasta: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before cooking or microwave it for 20–30 seconds until very soft. Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and onions are softened and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Set Aside Sausage Mixture: Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy, which will take a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage and onions to the skillet, add the corn (drained if canned), and stir well. Let everything heat through for a minute or two.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of hot pasta water before draining the pasta to loosen it.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage with good flavor such as kielbasa or Andouille for the best taste.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese well to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- If using canned corn, drain well to avoid excess liquid.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color and fresh flavor.
