Indulge in the savory goodness of smoked sausage and creamy mozzarella pasta. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful choice for dinner. The smoky notes from the sausage pair beautifully with the melty mozzarella, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on one serving (1/4 of the recipe), this dish contains approximately 600 calories, 45g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine.
- Stir in cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini instead of sausage.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine or a light beer can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the cheese may change texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture.
- Not browning the sausage enough can result in less flavor.
- Using low-quality cheese may affect the dish’s creaminess.
- Skipping seasoning can make the dish bland.
- Rushing the cooking process can lead to uneven cooking.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream to make this dish dairy-free.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage is traditional, but you can use kielbasa or andouille sausage for different flavor profiles.
How can I add more vegetables?
You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the sausage for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This smoked sausage & mozzarella pasta recipe is a delicious and easy dinner option that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s sure to satisfy your family’s cravings. Enjoy this comforting dish any time!
Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine.
- Stir in cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.