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This hearty and flavorful German-inspired pasta dish combines the rich, smoky taste of sausage with earthy mushrooms, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Oil: For frying; you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any cooking oil of your choice.

1 Onion: Finely chopped; adds a sweet and savory base to the dish.
0.5 lb Mushrooms: Sliced; adds a rich, earthy flavor that complements the smoky sausage.
1 lb Smoked Sausage: Sliced; provides a robust, smoky taste that is central to the dish.

3 cloves Garlic: Minced; adds a fragrant, aromatic depth to the sauce.
0.5 lb Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well.
2 Tomatoes: Diced; adds freshness and a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.

2 cups Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for cooking the pasta and adding flavor to the dish.
0.5 cups Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it rich and indulgent.
Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano: To taste; essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.

4 oz Cheddar Cheese: Grated; melts into the sauce, adding a sharp, cheesy flavor.
Parsley (optional): Freshly chopped; for garnish, adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop and Slice: Begin by finely chopping 1 onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Slice 0.5 lb of mushrooms and 1 lb of smoked sausage. Dice 2 tomatoes. Prepping all ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process smoother.

2. Cook the Onion:

Heat Oil: In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
Fry Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pan and fry for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and softens. This forms the aromatic base of your dish.

3. Add the Mushrooms:

Add and Cook: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan with the onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their moisture. Mushrooms add a savory, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.

4. Cook the Sausage:

Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the sausage slices are browned and slightly crispy. This step enhances the smoky flavor and adds texture to the dish.

5. Add the Garlic:

Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so be sure to keep an eye on it during this step.

6. Add the Tomatoes:

Cook Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. The tomatoes will add a bit of acidity and freshness, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.

7. Add the Pasta and Liquids:

Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 0.5 lb of pasta to the pan, followed by 2 cups of chicken broth and 0.5 cups of heavy cream. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated and the liquids are evenly distributed.

8. Season:

Season to Taste: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste. These seasonings will bring out the flavors of the dish.

9. Cook the Pasta:

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

10. Add the Cheese:

Melt Cheese: Add 4 oz of grated cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and well combined with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

11. Serve:

Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. The parsley adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
Serve Hot: Serve the pasta hot, straight from the pan. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors of this delicious German pasta dish!

Additional Information:

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pasta dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal

Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 4g
Protein: 20g

Tips for Success:

Pasta Type: Use short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, as they hold the sauce well.

Broth Substitution: If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor might be less rich.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or even Parmesan, to vary the flavor profile.

Possible Questions & Answers:

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of smoked or cooked sausage you prefer. Kielbasa, chorizo, or even Italian sausage would work well in this dish.

2. What other vegetables can I add?

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Make sure to adjust the seasonings as needed.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?

Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite. The pasta will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, so removing it from heat a little earlier will prevent it from becoming too soft.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts:

This creamy German pasta with smoked sausage and mushrooms is a delightful, hearty meal that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare, full of rich flavors, and satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal on its own. Perfect for any occasion, this dish brings together the comforting elements of pasta, cheese, and smoky sausage in a way that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!