Smoked Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

8 ounces uncooked pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1/2 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup corn (use canned or already cooked corn cut off the cob)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour prior to starting the recipe or microwave it for 20-30 seconds so it's very soft.

Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.

Meanwhile, add the oil and sausage slices to a skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and continue sauteing for another few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage has nicely browned and the onions have softened up and lightly browned as well.

Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Transfer the contents of the skillet to a plate and set it aside.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth, cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir constantly until it's a nice, smooth sauce (this will take a few minutes).

Add the sausage and onions back to the skillet, along with the corn (drain the corn if using canned), and give it a good stir. Let it heat through for a minute or two.

If the sauce has thickened up a bit too much, add a few tablespoons of the hot pasta water before draining the pasta. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce (add the pasta to the skillet) and serve immediately.

Season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total

Time: 30 minutes