"Deliciously Easy Smoked Sausage Penne Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner"

#### IntroductionIf you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal that doesn't skimp on flavor, this smoked sausage penne recipe is the perfect choice. Com……

#### Introduction

If you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal that doesn't skimp on flavor, this smoked sausage penne recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the smoky richness of sausage with the hearty texture of penne pasta, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to elevate your cooking experience.

#### Ingredients

To create the ultimate smoked sausage penne recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 12 ounces of penne pasta

- 1 pound of smoked sausage (sliced)

- 1 medium onion (chopped)

- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)

- 1 bell pepper (sliced, any color)

- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes

- 1 cup of heavy cream

- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

#### Instructions

1. **Cook the Penne Pasta**: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. **Sauté the Sausage**: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

3. **Cook the Vegetables**: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

4. **Combine Ingredients**: Return the smoked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and heavy cream. Stir to combine.

5. **Season the Mixture**: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. **Add the Pasta**: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.

7. **Serve**: Plate the smoked sausage penne and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

#### Tips for Success

- **Choose Your Sausage**: For this smoked sausage penne recipe, you can use any type of smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or andouille. Each type will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

- **Add Vegetables**: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

- **Make It Spicy**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage.

- **Leftovers**: This dish makes great leftovers. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

#### Conclusion

This smoked sausage penne recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish will impress and satisfy. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a meal that everyone will love!