Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

  • 25min
  • 25min
  • 13
  • 1 package Smoked Sausage
  • 8 ounces uncooked pappardelle pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 ¼ cups half-and-half
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup refrigerated prepared pesto
  • 1 1/3 cup thinly sliced basil
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
  2. Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high. Cut sausage into 1/2" coins. Add sausage and mushrooms and cook about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove to a plate; wipe pan clean, careful may be hot.
  3. Melt butter in pan over medium; add garlic and cook until garlic just begins to brown, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Add half-and-half and cream cheese; bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add pasta and sausage mixture; toss to coat. (Thin sauce with pasta water if necessary.) Serve in shallow bowls topped with pesto, basil, and remaining 1/4 cup cheese.