Ingredients

• Olive oil (or any other cooking oil): 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Bow tie pasta (or any other pasta): 8 oz (250 g)
• Smoked sausage: 450 g (1 lb), sliced
• Tomatoes: 3, diced
• Chicken stock: 460 ml (2 cups)
• Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Cheddar cheese: 120 g (1 cup), grated
• Scallion: For garnish (optional)
• Oregano: Fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the sausage: Add 450 g (1 lb) of sliced smoked sausage to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and releases its flavorful oils.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan with the sausage. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Chicken Stock

1. Add the tomatoes: Stir in 3 diced tomatoes and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and begin to release their juices. The tomatoes will add a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the sausage.
2. Add the chicken stock: Pour in 460 ml (2 cups) of chicken stock, and stir to combine with the sausage, onion, and tomatoes. This will be the base for cooking the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the pasta: Add 250 g (8 oz) of bow tie pasta (or your preferred type of pasta) to the pan. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
2. Season the dish: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano (or fresh oregano, if available) to the mixture.
3. Bring to a simmer: Turn up the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The pasta should be al dente when done.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

1. Add the heavy cream: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in 120 ml (1/2 cup) of heavy cream. The cream will create a rich and velvety sauce.
2. Stir in the cheese: Add 120 g (1 cup) of grated cheddar cheese to the pasta. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, making it creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with scallions: If you like, garnish the dish with freshly chopped scallions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
2. Serve hot: Serve the pasta hot, straight from the pan. The creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta make for a perfect meal.

Cooking Tips

• Use different types of sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as kielbasa, chorizo, or Italian sausage, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead. For an even creamier sauce, add a bit more cheddar cheese.
• Make it spicier: For an added kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Be sure to check the pasta as it cooks, stirring occasionally, to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become mushy. Al dente pasta will give the dish a better texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1600 mg
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 20% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
   • Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well in this dish. Adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
3. Can I make this dish without cream?
   • If you want to make this dish without cream, you can substitute the cream with extra chicken stock for a lighter version, or use a non-dairy milk alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.
4. What can I use if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
   • You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan. Each type of cheese will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   • Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to this dish. Simply sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic or stir them in with the pasta for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With tender pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce, this meal is a crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up quickly. The use of one pot makes cleanup a breeze, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights.

Feel free to personalize this recipe by adjusting the ingredients to your liking, such as swapping out the sausage or adding vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this comforting meal!