Penne and Smoked Sausage

 

Penne and Smoked Sausage (Creamy One-Pan Pasta)

(Serves three–four Easy Weeknight Recipes)

Penne and smoked sausage is a rich, comforting pasta dish that comes together speedily in one pan. The smoky, savory sausage pairs perfectly with smooth penne pasta and a creamy tomato-based taleggio sauce. It’s filling, flavorful, and ideal for a simple dinner.

Ingredients

250–300 g penne pasta

200–250 g smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)

1 medium onion (finely chopped)

three–4 garlic cloves (minced)

1 medium bell pepper (sliced, non-obligatory)

1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes or tomato puree

1 cup milk or cooking cream

2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter

1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works great)

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon chili flakes (elective)

Salt to flavor

1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

2–3 cups water or hen/vegetable stock

½ cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.

Add penne and cook till just al dente (company, however, is no longer difficult). Drain and set apart. Save approximately ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté the sausage.

Heat oil or butter in a big pan over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and prepare dinner for 3–5 minutes till gently browned. This step releases a smoky taste into the oil. Remove sausage and set apart in case you need a purée sauce base, or let it go in for stronger flavor.

Three. Cook the aromatics.

In the equal pan, upload chopped onions and sauté till smooth and golden. Add garlic and cook dinner for 30 seconds till fragrant. If using bell pepper, upload it now and cook for 2–3 mins.

Four. Build the sauce.

Add paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, and oregano. Stir nicely to coat the veggies.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and mix.

5. Make it creamy.

Add milk or cooking cream and stir till smooth. If the sauce is simply too thick, upload a piece of water or stock. Let it simmer gently for any other 3–5 minutes.

6. Combine everything.

Add the cooked sausage again into the sauce. Then upload the cooked penne. Mix nicely so the pasta absorbs the smoky, creamy sauce.

If wished, upload a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the feel.

7. Add cheese (non-compulsory)

Sprinkle grated cheese and stir until melted for a richer, creamier end.

Eight. Serve

Turn off warmth and garnish with clean parsley. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Extra creamy model: Add extra cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.

Spicy version: Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce.

Vegetable enhancement: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Healthier choice: Use whole wheat penne and coffee-fat milk.

Smokier taste: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or grill the sausage slightly earlier than reducing.

Why this dish works

The smoky sausage offers a deep, savory taste even as the creamy tomato sauce balances it with richness and acidity. Penne holds the sauce well, making every chunk gratifying.