Creamy Sausage & Noodles Skillet

Description

Creamy Sausage & Noodles is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender egg noodles tossed with juicy, pan-seared sausage slices in a rich, savory sauce. The flavors are deep and satisfying, with a perfect balance of creaminess and spice. This one-pot style meal is ideal for busy weeknights, delivering warmth, texture, and bold taste in every bite while remaining simple and budget-friendly.

Ingredients For the Main Dish:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 14 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Red chili flakes for heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and paprika, allowing it to cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
6. Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Return sausage to the pan and mix well.
8. Add cooked noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated.
9. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top if using and let it melt into the sauce.
10. Garnish with parsley or chili flakes before serving.

Tips, Notes, and Q&A

• Use smoked or spicy sausage for extra flavor depth.
• Do not overcook noodles; slightly firm texture works best with creamy sauces.
• Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
• You can substitute cream with milk for a lighter version, though it will be less rich.
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
• Q: Can I add vegetables?
  Absolutely, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work very well.

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 3–4
• Calories: approximately 450–550 per serving
• Protein: 18–22g
• Fat: 25–30g
• Carbohydrates: 35–45g