Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage and Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Hillshire Farms smoked sausage and pasta recipes are quick and delicious, ready in under 30 minutes¹. They mix bold flavors with 2 lbs of sausage and pasta, perfect for hearty meals². You can serve 6 people and easily add veggies or seasonings to suit your taste¹².

Smoked sausage pairs well with pasta sauces or veggies, making a meal quicker than delivery¹. Hillshire Farms sausage recipes fit your kitchen’s pace, whether it’s a skillet or casserole². Try these smoked sausage pasta recipes today and see how easy weeknight dinners can be.

Introduction to Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage in Pasta Dishes

Exploring hillshire farms smoked sausage dinner ideas opens a world of flavor. This smoked sausage pairs perfectly with pasta, offering bold taste and convenience. It’s great for quick weeknight meals or cozy skillet dinners, adding smoky depth to pasta and sauces.

Why Smoked Sausage Works Well with Pasta

The smoky flavor of Hillshire Farms sausage enhances dishes like the smoked sausage and pasta skillet recipe. Its savory notes cut through rich sauces, while the meat’s chewy texture holds up well in best smoked sausage pasta recipes. Turkey varieties, like Butterball’s offering, provide 30g protein per serving³, making meals hearty yet lighter. Cooking methods like browning sausage for 5 minutes⁴ add depth without extra fat.

Nutritional Benefits of Hillshire Farms Products

Hillshire Farms options like turkey sausage cut calories by 50% compared to regular³. A typical serving has 705 kcal with 49g fat³, balancing indulgence with protein. Choose varieties like turkey for lighter meals or beef for richer dishes.

Key Flavor Profiles

Explore diverse tastes:

• Original: robust smoky notes for classic hillshire farms smoked sausage dinner ideas
• Turkey: lean yet flavorful for lighter best smoked sausage pasta recipes³
• Beef: rich umami for hearty dishes

With 27,821 Pinterest shares⁵, the smoky-cheddar skillet proves a top choice. Adjust heat or add veggies like broccoli to match your palate.

Essential Ingredients for Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage and Pasta Recipes

Every creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe needs pasta, cheese, and aromatics. Choose pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne for sauce trapping². Use cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness. Add garlic and onions for quick flavor, perfect for quick smoked sausage recipes⁶.

Category	Ingredients	Key Uses
Pasta	Rigatoni (2 lbs), shells, elbow macaroni	Ridges hold sauce; rigatoni works best2
Cheese	Mozzarella (2 cups), Parmesan	Enhances creaminess in dishes like the hillshire farms smoked sausage pasta bake2
Vegetables	Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms	Add texture; summer veggies like onions boost freshness6

• Use 4 tbsp butter for cheese sauces².
• Storage tip: Keep leftovers up to 3 days⁷.
• Substitute angel hair pasta for spaghetti to save time⁶.

For the hillshire farms smoked sausage pasta bake, sauté 2 lbs of sliced sausage until browned². Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes and parsley flakes for depth². If the sauce gets too thick, add pasta water⁶. Try swapping veggies like zucchini or broccoli for different tastes⁶.

Classic Creamy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta

Make your easy smoked sausage pasta recipes better with this creamy Alfredo dish. It’s great for quick dinners and uses Hillshire Farms smoked sausage with a rich cheese sauce. Here’s how to make it for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb Hillshire Farms smoked sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick⁸
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup shredded block Parmesan (melts better than pre-shredded)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Simmer sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until browned⁹.
2. Cook pasta al dente in salted water (7-9 minutes)⁸.
3. Whisk cream, Parmesan, and garlic in a saucepan until smooth. Add cooked sausage and pasta to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Try it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a side salad for a balanced meal. For more Hillshire Farms recipe ideas, add sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days⁹.

One-Pot Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

Want a hearty meal without the fuss? This smoked sausage pasta skillet is the answer. It serves 4 and is ready in 30 minutes, great for busy nights¹⁰¹¹. Begin by browning 1 pound of Hillshire Farms smoked sausage with ½ onion. Then, add 8 oz pasta and simmer in chicken broth until it’s just right¹⁰.

• 1 lb Hillshire Farms smoked sausage
• ½ medium onion (diced)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz short pasta (like campanelle)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

Simmer the pasta with sausage and broth for 12-15 minutes¹⁰. Stir often to cook evenly. This hillshire farms sausage pasta dishes dish packs 31g protein per serving, perfect for filling meals¹⁰. Keep the heat low to prevent burning and let the pasta soak up the flavors.

Need smoked sausage recipe inspiration? Add spinach or roasted red peppers in the last 5 minutes. This method cuts down cleanup to just one pot, saving 20+ minutes¹¹. Each serving has 692 calories and 59g total fat, so balance it with a green salad¹⁰.

To avoid undercooked pasta, boil the broth and pasta gently. The one-pot method is best with dense pasta shapes that hold sauce well. Enjoy a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes with minimal effort¹⁰¹¹.

Spicy Cajun Smoked Sausage Pasta

Turn your kitchen into a Louisiana kitchen with delicious smoked sausage pasta recipes. Start by browning Hillshire Farms smoked sausage in a skillet for 5-6 minutes until crisp¹². Then, add a homemade Cajun blend. Prep time is just 5 minutes⁷, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Authentic Cajun Seasoning Blend

Classic Cajun seasoning includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and dried thyme. Use 1 tsp of store-bought blends like Tony Chachere’s or make your own mix. For an extra kick, add an extra ¼ tsp cayenne¹³. Pair it with 8 oz penne pasta, whose ridges hold onto creamy, spicy sauces well¹³.

How to Control the Heat Level

• Adjust cayenne gradually; start with ½ tsp and taste
• Use mild Rotel tomatoes to reduce heat¹³
• Serve with cooling yogurt or rice for balance

Perfect Pasta Types for Cajun Dishes

Choose pasta shapes like fusilli or tubetti that trap spicy sauces. Cook pasta in 2 quarts salted water until al dente—reserve ½ cup cooking water for sauce¹². This best sausage and pasta dishes combo has 374 calories per serving in the lighter version⁷. It’s diet-friendly yet full of flavor.

Mediterranean Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Pasta

Explore savory smoked sausage pasta meals that mix Mediterranean freshness with smoky depth. This easy recipe uses lemon, herbs, and olive oil for a lighter take on classic dishes.

Fresh Ingredients That Complement Smoked Sausage

• Cherry tomatoes (½ cup) add tangy acidity¹⁴
• Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts create salty contrast
• Spinach or arugula greens brighten the dish
• Feta cheese crumbles for a creamy touch without heavy cream

Creating a Light and Flavorful Sauce

Swap heavy cream for a quick sauce using:

• Olive oil as the base
• Lemon juice for brightness
• Vegetable broth (½ cup) for depth¹⁴

Pair with toasted pine nuts¹⁴ for crunch. This method cuts calories while keeping flavor.

Herb and Spice Combinations to Try

Herb	Flavor	Pairing Tip
Oregano	Earthy	Stir into warm pasta
Basil	Grassy	Mix with lemon zest
Mint	Cooling	Garnish before serving

Combine 1 tsp each of dried basil, parsley, and ½ tsp oregano¹⁴ for a quick blend.

Store leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days¹⁵. This makes a perfect flavorful hillshire farms dinner idea for warm evenings.

Quick 15-Minute Smoked Sausage and Pasta Meals

When time is tight, hillshire farms smoked sausage dishes are a quick fix. Their pre-cooked sausage just needs a quick sauté. Try this italian sausage pasta recipe in 15 minutes: boil angel hair pasta for 8-10 minutes while browning sausage and veggies in a skillet¹⁶. These easy smoked sausage recipes are simple yet flavorful.

Master the timing: pasta cooks in 8-10 minutes¹⁶, while sausage and veggies take 5-7 minutes. Simmer sauce ingredients while water boils to streamline steps. Here’s how to optimize:

• Use frozen veggies (like bell peppers or spinach) for instant freshness¹⁶
• Keep pantry staples: jarred marinara or broth for instant bases
• Pair with pre-minced garlic or onion powder to cut prep time¹⁶

Customize with flavor boosts: a splash of broth deepens sauce without extra steps. Serve with a squeeze of lemon or grated Parmesan for brightness. These italian sausage pasta recipe variations work with any pasta shape, but opt for quick-cooking options like penne or linguine¹⁶. Save time by prepping ingredients ahead and storing in airtight containers for 3 days¹⁶.

Baked Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Pasta Casserole

Turn weeknight dinners into cozy meals with this hillshire farms smoked sausage pasta bake. It’s great for making in bulk and cooks in under 30 minutes¹⁷². Here’s how to make this easy smoked sausage pasta recipes favorite.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Options

• Prep parts ahead: Cook sausage and pasta separately, then chill for 3–4 days¹⁷.
• Freeze the whole casserole in airtight containers for up to 4 months¹⁷.
• Reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes before serving¹⁷.

Creating the Perfect Cheese Topping

Mix 2 cups shredded mozzarella with ½ cup Parmesan for creamy layers. For a crispy top, broil for 3 minutes at the end². The cheese sauce is made with 4 tbsp butter, flour, and milk for a smooth base².

Variation Ideas for Different Occasions

Make this smoked sausage dinner ideas your own with:

• Cajun twist: Add red pepper flakes or Andouille sausage¹⁷.
• Vegetable boost: Mix in roasted zucchini or bell peppers¹⁷.
• Lightened version: Use low-fat cheese and broth⁷.
• Quick serve: Serve with garlic bread or green salads¹⁷.

For more flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder².

Tips for Perfectly Cooking Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage

Learning to cook Hillshire Farms smoked sausage right makes it a star in pasta dishes. Choose the right cut: round slices for even cooking or bias cuts for texture in

1. Brown First: Cook slices in a pan until they’re crispy. This step adds flavor and texture to smoked sausage recipe inspiration like creamy pastas or skillet meals¹⁸.
2. Timing Matters: Cook sausage for 5–7 minutes on each side for even browning. Don’t overcook it to keep it juicy—perfect for quick dinners under 30 minutes¹⁹.
3. Pair with Pasta: Choose short pasta like penne to hold onto juices. Add garlic or wine for more flavor, as seen in hillshire farms smoked sausage dinner ideas¹⁸.

Keep leftovers safe: Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3 days for the best taste¹⁸. When reheating, add some pasta water to keep it moist. Try different sausages like plant-based or spicy Andouille for new tastes¹⁹. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid uneven browning, which can affect flavor.

“Aim for golden-brown edges to unlock maximum flavor.”

Hillshire Farms’ smoked sausage goes great with seasonal veggies like summer zucchini or mushrooms. Adjust the seasoning to balance smoky flavors with pasta and sauce. These tips make ordinary meals into best smoked sausage pasta recipes that everyone will love¹⁹.

Kid-Friendly Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Pasta Dishes

A 4-year-old picky eater loved this dish so much they asked for seconds²!

Make mealtime fun with hillshire farms recipe ideas for kids. These quick smoked sausage recipes mix tasty flavors with fun twists. Even picky eaters will love these easy smoked sausage pasta recipe ideas.

Fun Shapes and Colors to Entice Picky Eaters

Use pasta shapes like stars or animals to spark their interest. Add colors with veggies like orange bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. Bright green parsley or red pepper flakes make it look appealing.

Try pairing pasta with rainbow veggies for a fun plate. It’s like a playground on their plate.

Hiding Extra Vegetables in Sauce

• Puree spinach into cheese sauces for sneaky nutrition²⁰.
• Finely dice zucchini or carrots to blend into pasta mixtures.
• Use garlic and herbs to balance veggie flavors. Try adding 1 tbsp parsley flakes for freshness².

Quick After-School Meal Options

Cook meals in 20–30 minutes²²⁰. Prep in just 5 minutes² while pasta boils. Use pre-cut veggies and pre-shredded cheese to save time.

A 16-ounce pasta pack cooks in 10 minutes²⁰. Pair with a 14-ounce smoked sausage link, sliced and browned in 5 minutes²⁰. Add 8 oz spinach or shredded carrots to sauces for a nutritious boost.

Keep portions small to avoid overwhelming tiny appetites.

Seasonal Variations of Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage and Pasta Recipes

Make hillshire farms sausage pasta dishes fresh with seasonal ingredients. Delicious smoked sausage pasta recipes change with the seasons. They become lighter in summer and cozier in winter. These flavorful hillshire farms dinner ideas use what’s in season, saving money and boosting taste.

Seasonal eating cuts grocery costs and elevates meals with nature’s best produce. — Farm-to Table Trends

In spring, mix smoked sausage with asparagus, peas, and lemon zest. Use light cream sauces for a bright taste. Delicious smoked sausage pasta recipes here feature quick-cooking veggies like snap peas³.

• Summer: Add garden-fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and basil. Try a one-pot skillet method ready in 20 minutes⁸. Use cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a vibrant, low-effort meal.
• Fall: Toss in butternut squash, kale, and garlic. Warming spices like paprika or thyme deepen flavors. Pair with hearty pasta shapes like fusilli.
• Winter: Layer root veggies like carrots and parsnips with rich sauces. Try slow-simmered ragu or cheesy gratins for cozy dinners. Flavorful hillshire farms dinner ideas shine here with mushrooms and rosemary.

Adjust cooking methods too: grill summer veggies or roast winter squash. Use³ the hillshire farms sausage pasta dishes base recipe, then swap in seasonal items. Check labels for Hillshire Farms’ pre-cooked sausage for easy prep.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners with Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Pasta

Exploring savory smoked sausage pasta meals opens endless possibilities for weeknight dinners. Hillshire Farms smoked sausage and pasta recipes offer a balance of convenience and bold flavor. Whether you’re making creamy Alfredo, zesty Cajun, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, these recipes are quick and satisfying.

From one-pot skillet meals to baked casseroles, these recipes prove smoked sausage pairs perfectly with pasta’s versatility. Families love the ease of preparing meals that even picky eaters enjoy. Many users report these dishes have become regulars in their meal rotations. The rich, smoky taste of Hillshire Farms products adds depth to any pasta creation, turning simple ingredients into memorable meals.

Experiment with your favorite herbs, spice blends, or seasonal veggies to adapt these hillshire farms smoked sausage and pasta recipes. Share your variations online—whether it’s a spicy kick or a creamy twist—to join a community of home cooks elevating everyday dinners. With so many options, there’s a smoked sausage pasta dish to suit every craving, all while keeping meals affordable and approachable.

FAQ

What types of pasta pair well with Hillshire Farms smoked sausage?

Hillshire Farms smoked sausage goes great with many pasta shapes. Penne, elbow macaroni, and shells are good choices. Their shapes help sauces stick better, making the dish taste even better.

Are Hillshire Farms smoked sausages healthy?

Yes, they are. Hillshire Farms smoked sausages are a good source of protein. They also have options like turkey sausage, which is lower in fat but still tastes great.

How can I make a quick smoked sausage pasta dish in under 30 minutes?

For a quick dish, start by sautéing sliced sausages in a skillet. Then, cook your pasta. Mix it with frozen veggies and a simple sauce for a meal ready in 30 minutes or less.

What are some creamy smoked sausage pasta recipes?

There are many creamy recipes. Try creamy alfredo with smoked sausage, a cheesy pasta bake, or a light sauce with cream, garlic, and herbs.

How can I spice up my smoked sausage pasta dishes?

Add some spice with Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or other spices. Sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions also add flavor.

Can I make Hillshire Farms smoked sausage pasta casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Assemble the casserole, then refrigerate or freeze it. Bake it when you’re ready for a quick meal.

What are some kid-friendly smoked sausage pasta ideas?

For kids, use fun pasta shapes and colorful veggies. Choose sauces that kids will like.

How do I adapt smoked sausage pasta recipes for different seasons?

Use seasonal veggies, herbs, and spices. For example, add fresh tomatoes in summer and hearty greens in winter.

What’s the best technique for cooking Hillshire Farms smoked sausage?

Sauté the sausage for better flavor and browning. Slice it right to get the right texture in your dish.

Are there any pantry staples that work well in smoked sausage pasta recipes?

Yes, keep pasta, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, cheese, and spices on hand. They’re great for quick meals.

Source Links

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2. Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta – Homemade on a Weeknight – https://homemadeonaweeknight.com/2024/03/28/smoked-sausage-mozzarella-pasta/
3. Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta with Broccoli – The Seasoned Mom – https://www.theseasonedmom.com/cheesy-smoked-sausage-pasta/
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7. Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/spicy-sausage-pasta/
8. One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe with Video – https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/one-pot-cheesy-pasta-and-sausage-recipe/
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10. One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta – https://onmykidsplate.com/smoked-sausage-pasta/
11. Simple One-Pan Sausage Pasta – https://southernbite.com/simple-one-pan-sausage-pasta/
12. Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – https://www.windingcreekranch.org/smoked-sausage-pasta/
13. One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – https://www.thelazydish.com/easy-one-pot-dinner-creamy-cajun-sausage-pasta/
14. Smoked Sausage Pasta wit White Beans Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts – https://www.acedarspoon.com/smoked-sausage-with-white-beans/
15. Sausage Pepper Pasta – https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/sausage-pepper-pasta/
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18. Smoked Sausage with Pasta – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/smoked-sausage-with-pasta/?srsltid=AfmBOoomCr-Jij_KrNfAP5x54syQwlIPIE0RFC_hytMDpXIeJ4Vqc9zM
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