1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by slicing the smoked sausage into uniform ¼-inch rounds. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking. Grate your Parmesan cheese if it isn’t pre-shredded. Finally, measure out your liquids and spices so you can seamlessly move through the cooking process.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid will help adjust the consistency of your sauce later.

3. Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the smoked sausage slices in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

5. Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step adds depth of flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.

6. Incorporate the Cheese

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts evenly into the sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Combine Pasta and Sausage

Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the pan, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

8. Add Spinach (Optional)

If using spinach, stir it in during this step. The residual heat will wilt the spinach without overcooking it, adding vibrant color and a boost of nutrients to the dish.

9. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the creamy smoked sausage pasta to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors.