Easy Smoked Sausage Recipes with Pasta (30 Minutes)

Smoked sausage recipes with pasta are weeknight gold: fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible. This version stars smoky turkey kielbasa, tender mushrooms, sweet tomatoes, basil, and angel-hair pasta for a light, fresh skillet dinner that’s ready in about half an hour—no heavy cream, just bright, savory flavors your family will devour.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage Recipes with Pasta

• Fast and practical: From start to finish in around 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Light yet satisfying: Olive oil, tomatoes, and basil build a fresh sauce that coats every strand without weighing it down.
• Budget-friendly: Uses staple ingredients—smoked sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and pasta.
• Family-safe substitutions: Pork-free and alcohol-free by default; easy swaps for chicken sausage or vegetarian options.
• One-pan magic: Most of the action happens in one skillet, so cleanup stays easy.

Ingredients for Smoked Sausage Recipes with Pasta

The Pasta

• 8 ounces angel-hair pasta (capellini)
• Kosher salt, for the pasta water

The Skillet Mix

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more if needed)
• 12 ounces smoked turkey kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch coins
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups plum or Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut into thin strips (or 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• ¼–½ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

To Finish

• Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, for serving
• Extra basil or chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges (optional, to brighten)

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)

• Sausage options: Keep it pork-free with turkey kielbasa (as written) or swap in chicken sausage. If you prefer beef, go for a lean smoked beef sausage.
• Vegetarian/vegan: Replace sausage with smoked tofu or well-browned mushrooms and chickpeas. Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for that signature smoky depth.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or capellini. Cook very al dente and toss gently (GF strands can be more delicate).
• No fresh tomatoes? Use a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, well-drained, or a cup of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and sliced).
• Herb swaps: Basil is classic, but parsley or oregano (½ teaspoon dried) work, too.
• Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and lemon zest for brightness.
• Low-sodium tips: Choose a lower-sodium sausage and salt your pasta water lightly (1 tablespoon per 4 quarts). You can also add a squeeze of lemon at the end to lift flavors without extra salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel-hair and cook until al dente (usually 3–4 minutes). Reserve ¼–½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain.

Pro tip: Because angel-hair cooks fast, wait to drop the pasta until Step 3 so everything’s hot at the same time.

Step 2 – Brown the Smoked Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Add the sliced turkey kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges are browned and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Browning concentrates the smoky flavor and creates tasty fond (brown bits) that will season the sauce.

Step 3 – Sauté the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until they release their moisture and turn golden in spots, 5–7 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt to help the mushrooms release liquid and concentrate flavor.

Step 4 – Build the Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant—avoid browning. Sprinkle in basil (fresh or dried), black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the sausage and mushrooms in the aromatics.

Step 5 – Add the Tomatoes

Add the tomatoes and toss to combine. Cook 2–3 minutes to let them soften and release just enough juice to glaze the pan. You’re not making a heavy sauce—think fresh pan sauce that clings lightly to the pasta.

Step 6 – Toss with Pasta

Add the drained angel-hair directly to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a glossy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7 – Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Shower with grated Parmesan, add more fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve immediately, passing extra cheese at the table.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Brown the sausage well. Those caramelized edges amplify smokiness and season the sauce.
2. Don’t overcook the garlic. 30 seconds is enough; burnt garlic turns bitter.
3. Reserve pasta water. A splash transforms the pan juices into a silky, cohesive sauce.
4. Use high heat for mushrooms. They’ll brown instead of steaming, concentrating flavor.
5. Time the pasta. Drop angel-hair just before you add the tomatoes so everything finishes together.
6. Finish off-heat. Tossing with cheese and lemon away from direct heat keeps flavors bright and the texture creamy, not clumpy.

Flavor Variations

• Cajun Kick: Swap basil for parsley, add 1–1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, and toss in sliced bell peppers with the mushrooms.
• Tuscan Spin: Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, sliced) and 2 cups baby spinach in Step 5 until wilted; finish with a sprinkle of crushed fennel seeds.
• Garlicky Lemon: Use extra garlic (4 cloves) and finish with zest of 1 lemon plus juice to taste.
• Creamy Light: Stir in ¼ cup low-fat Greek yogurt off the heat for a tangy, lighter creaminess.
• Roasted Veg Boost: Toss halved cherry tomatoes and zucchini with oil/salt and roast at 220°C (425°F) for 15 minutes; fold into the skillet at the end.

Serving Suggestions

• Simple salad: Pair with a lemony arugula or mixed greens salad.
• Garlic bread or focaccia: Great for scooping up saucy bites.
• Veg side: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach add color and nutrients.
• Make it a bowl: Serve over a bed of lightly dressed baby spinach for extra greens.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Sprinkle with a tablespoon of water and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low, tossing often. Add a touch of olive oil or lemon juice to revive flavors.
• Freezing: Pasta with fresh tomatoes can soften after thawing. If you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta and use canned diced tomatoes (drained). Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of water.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Estimated for 4 servings using turkey kielbasa, olive oil, mushrooms, tomatoes, angel-hair, and Parmesan.)

Note: Nutrition varies by brand of sausage, pasta, and cheese. For lower sodium, choose reduced-sodium sausage and salt pasta water lightly.

FAQ About Smoked Sausage Recipes with Pasta

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving something quick yet wholesome, smoked sausage recipes with pasta deliver big flavor with minimal effort. This light, tomato-and-basil version puts smoky turkey kielbasa front and center while keeping the sauce bright and fresh—perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. With simple pantry swaps, flexible veggies, and family-friendly seasonings, it’s a reliable dinner you’ll come back to again and again.

Easy Smoked Sausage Recipes with Pasta (30 Minutes)

This light and flavorful pasta dish features smoky turkey kielbasa, mushrooms, tomatoes, basil, and angel-hair pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes—no heavy cream needed.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

The Pasta

• 8 oz angel-hair pasta (capellini)
• Kosher salt for the pasta water

The Skillet Mix

• 1 tbsp olive oil plus more if needed
• 12 oz smoked turkey kielbasa sliced into ¼-inch coins
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms sliced (cremini or button)
• 2–3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups plum or Roma tomatoes seeded and cut into thin strips (or 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil thinly sliced (or 1 tsp dried basil)
• 0.25–0.5 tsp black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional, for gentle heat
• 0.25 cup reserved pasta water as needed

To Finish

• Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for serving
• Extra basil or chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges optional, to brighten

Instructions

 

• Step 1 – Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the angel-hair pasta and cook until al dente (3–4 minutes). Reserve ¼–½ cup pasta water and drain.
• Step 2 – Brown the Smoked Sausage: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add sliced turkey kielbasa and cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes.
• Step 3 – Sauté the Mushrooms: Add mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they release moisture and turn golden, 5–7 minutes. Add more oil if needed and season lightly with salt.
• Step 4 – Build the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds. Add basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat.
• Step 5 – Add the Tomatoes: Add tomatoes to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
• Step 6 – Toss with Pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and gloss the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Step 7 – Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Top with Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional lemon. Serve immediately with extra cheese at the table.

Notes

Brown the sausage well to boost flavor. Use pasta water for a silky sauce. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Finish off-heat with cheese and lemon for brightness. To make spicy, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. For added veg, stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Keyword angel hair pasta, easy skillet pasta, one-pan dinner, smoked sausage pasta, turkey kielbasa recipe