Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Start to Finish Time: 45 minutes
Creamy Mexican Pasta with Smoked Sausage Skillet Dinner: A Bold & Hearty One-Pan Wonder
If you’re looking for a quick and hearty dinner that packs a punch, this creamy Mexican pasta with smoked sausage is exactly what you need. This dish combines the irresistible smoky, salty flavors of kielbasa with the comforting creaminess of pasta and a bold kick of Mexican spices. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve for a special occasion.
Our chefs love to experiment with Mexican cuisine because there is so much diversity to the ingredients that can be used. From fiery jalapeños to fresh salsas, Mexican dishes offer an incredible range of flavors and textures. There are also endless variations of Mexican recipes that can include some atypical ingredients, such as this recipe’s kielbasa. This smoked sausage may not be a traditional Mexican ingredient, but it fits beautifully with the dish, adding a rich, salty, and smoky flavor that balances the spices perfectly.
The star of this recipe is the kielbasa. This smoked sausage adds depth to the dish with its savory, slightly tangy profile, offering a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce. The pasta, cooked directly in the same skillet, soaks up all the flavors of the sausage, spices, and broth, creating a rich and satisfying base that ties everything together.
What makes this dish really stand out is the addition of Mexican-inspired ingredients. Jalapeños provide a gentle heat that’s balanced by the tanginess of the salsa and the freshness of cherry tomatoes. These flavors meld beautifully with the creamy sauce, bringing a burst of brightness and a touch of heat to every bite. The gooey cheese melts into the dish, making it irresistible, while the chicken stock helps to lighten the richness just a bit.
Best of all, this is a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Everything is cooked in the same skillet, which means that all the ingredients have a chance to come together and form layers of flavor. The cream and cheese combine to form a luxurious, silky sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and sausage.
When it’s ready to serve, a sprinkle of fresh green onions gives the dish a pop of color and a subtle bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess. This garnish elevates the presentation and adds a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Whether you’re a fan of smoked sausage or simply looking to spice up your usual pasta night, this creamy Mexican pasta skillet is bound to become a household favorite. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together.
Ingredients:
1 pound kielbasa
8 ounces pasta, ziti
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons jalapeno peppers, diced, canned
1 cup salsa
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 each green onion, sliced thinly (for garnish)
Instructions:
Slice sausage in 1/4-inch slices.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil; heat till oil is hot.
Brown the sliced sausage on both sides. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Add the pasta, jalapenos, salsa, chicken stock, tomatoes and cream. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook until most liquid is absorbed by the pasta, about 10 minutes (check to see if pasta is cooked al dente).
Stir in 1/2 cup of the jack cheese, combining well so cheese melts.
Remove from heat and top with the remaining cheese. Cover for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Garnish with sliced green onions