Description
A deliciously smoky and creamy pasta dish featuring seared sausage, tangy BBQ sauce, and a rich, cheesy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this pasta is packed with bold flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, or Italian), sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat. Add the drained pasta and toss until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes