14 Smoky Sausage Dinner Recipes for Tonight’s Meal

Nothing beats the rich, smoky flavor of sausage when you’re planning a satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table with big smiles.

These hearty recipes transform simple smoked sausage into incredible meals that’ll become your new weeknight favorites and weekend comfort food go-tos.

01. Louisiana-Style Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Rich, flavorful gumbo with tender chicken and smoky sausage in a dark roux base. This authentic Louisiana dish develops incredible depth through slow simmering.

Ingredients: 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 2 pounds chicken thighs (cut into chunks), ¾ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 large onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 8 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, cooked white rice for serving.

How To Make Louisiana-Style Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and gradually whisk in flour. Cook this roux for 20-25 minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches a deep chocolate brown color that gives gumbo its signature flavor.

2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant throughout.

3. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add chicken pieces, sliced sausage, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning, bringing mixture to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper, then serve over fluffy white rice.

02. Southern Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Creamy red beans simmered with smoky sausage create this classic Southern comfort dish. The flavors improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients: 1 pound dried red kidney beans, 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 1 large onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 3 celery stalks (chopped), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste, cooked white rice for serving.

How To Make Southern Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

1. Soak dried beans overnight in plenty of water, then drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking. This step ensures even cooking and better texture in your finished dish.

2. Brown sliced sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until edges are crispy. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot, cooking in sausage drippings for 8 minutes until vegetables are soft and golden.

4. Return sausage to pot along with drained beans, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and cayenne. Cover with water by 2 inches and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed, until beans are creamy and tender. Season with salt and pepper, then serve over rice.

03. Quick French-Style Cassoulet

This simplified version of the French classic combines white beans and sausage in a rich, savory sauce. You’ll get all the comfort without the traditional lengthy cooking process.

Ingredients: 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 3 cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), 4 strips bacon (chopped), 1 large onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Quick French-Style Cassoulet

1. Cook chopped bacon in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot for extra flavor.

2. Brown sausage slices in the bacon fat for 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove sausage and cook diced onion in the same pot for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and drained beans, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Return bacon and sausage to the pot, then top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbling around edges.

04. Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup

Hearty soup loaded with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a rich cream base. This restaurant-inspired recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (removed from casings), 6 medium Yukon potatoes (sliced thin), 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 6 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 cups fresh kale (chopped), 4 strips bacon (chopped), red pepper flakes to taste, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup

1. Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot for cooking.

2. Add sausage to the pot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8 minutes until browned and cooked through, creating a flavorful base for your soup.

3. Stir in diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant throughout the kitchen.

4. Pour in chicken broth and add sliced potatoes, bringing mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and starting to break down slightly.

5. Stir in heavy cream and chopped kale, simmering for 3-4 minutes until kale wilts and cream is heated through. Season with salt and pepper, then serve topped with crispy bacon.

05. Italian Sausage and Pepper Penne

Classic Italian flavors come together in this satisfying pasta dish with sausage and colorful bell peppers. Ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound Italian sausage (sliced), 2 bell peppers (sliced), 1 large onion (sliced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes, ½ cup white wine, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Italian Sausage and Pepper Penne

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water will help bind your sauce beautifully.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown sausage slices for 6 minutes until golden on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

3. Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the same skillet, cooking for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized around the edges for maximum flavor.

4. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in white wine and crushed tomatoes, then return sausage to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Toss cooked pasta with the sausage mixture, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

06. Tangy Sweet and Sour Smoked Sausage

Smoky sausage glazed in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce that’s both easy and impressive. This unique flavor combination will surprise and delight your family.

Ingredients: 2 pounds smoked sausage (cut into 2-inch pieces), ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

How To Make Tangy Sweet and Sour Smoked Sausage

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown sausage pieces on all sides, about 8 minutes total. The browning adds extra depth to the final dish.

2. Remove sausage from skillet and add chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pan. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and develop some color.

3. Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and no lumps remain in the mixture.

4. Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the sauce mixture and return sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly.

5. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy while coating the sausage beautifully. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.

07. Gulf Coast Jambalaya

Traditional Southern one-pot rice dish packed with sausage, shrimp, and bold Cajun spices. This customizable recipe lets you add your favorite proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients: 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled), 2 cups long-grain white rice, 1 large onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 2 bay leaves, 3 green onions (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Gulf Coast Jambalaya

1. Brown sliced sausage in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat for 6 minutes until edges are crispy. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving flavorful drippings in the pot.

2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot, cooking in sausage drippings for 8 minutes until vegetables are soft and aromatic. This holy trinity is essential for authentic flavor.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add rice, stirring constantly for 3 minutes until grains are lightly toasted and coated with the vegetable mixture.

4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves, bringing mixture to a boil. Return sausage to the pot and reduce heat to low.

5. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes without stirring. Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking, covering again until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.

6. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Remove bay leaves, garnish with chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

08. Comforting Cabbage and Sausage Pasta

Simple yet satisfying pasta dish combining tender cabbage with smoky sausage in a light, flavorful sauce. This budget-friendly meal offers incredible comfort and nostalgia.

Ingredients: 1 pound pasta shells, 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 1 medium head cabbage (chopped), 1 large onion (sliced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), ½ cup chicken broth, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, salt and pepper to taste, Parmesan cheese for serving.

How To Make Comforting Cabbage and Sausage Pasta

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining. The starchy water will help bring everything together perfectly.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown sausage slices for 5 minutes until golden. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

3. Add sliced onion to the same skillet and cook for 6 minutes until softened and lightly golden. The onions will absorb all those delicious sausage flavors from the pan.

4. Stir in chopped cabbage, paprika, and caraway seeds, cooking for 12 minutes until cabbage wilts down and becomes tender. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.

5. Return sausage to the skillet along with cooked pasta and chicken broth. Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats everything beautifully.

09. Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Alfredo pasta loaded with Cajun-seasoned chicken and smoky sausage pieces. This one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors with homemade Cajun spice blend.

Ingredients: 1 pound fettuccine pasta, 1 pound chicken breast (cubed), ½ pound smoked sausage (sliced), 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 3 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta

1. Season cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Remove chicken from skillet and add sliced sausage, browning for 4 minutes until edges are crispy. Remove sausage and set aside with the chicken, keeping all those flavorful drippings in the pan.

3. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining. The starchy water will help create the perfect sauce consistency.

4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

5. Bring cream to a gentle simmer and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return chicken and sausage to the pan along with cooked pasta.

6. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy sauce that coats every strand. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while hot and creamy.

10. Hearty Sausage and Potato Hash

Crispy potato hash studded with smoky sausage pieces and caramelized onions. This versatile dish works perfectly for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying dinner any time.

Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon potatoes (diced), 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 2 large onions (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste, fresh parsley for garnish.

How To Make Hearty Sausage and Potato Hash

1. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a golden crust.

2. Flip potatoes and continue cooking for another 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy on multiple sides. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, then transfer to a plate.

3. Add remaining oil to the same skillet and brown sausage slices for 5 minutes until edges are crispy. Remove sausage and set aside with the potatoes.

4. Cook sliced onions and diced bell pepper in the skillet for 8 minutes until vegetables are soft and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Return potatoes and sausage to the skillet, tossing everything together and cooking for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while crispy.

11. Easy Cabbage Jambalaya

Budget-friendly twist on traditional jambalaya using cabbage instead of rice for a low-carb option. This simple recipe packs huge flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients: 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 1 large head cabbage (chopped), 1 pound ground turkey, 1 large onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Easy Cabbage Jambalaya

1. Brown sliced sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat for 6 minutes until edges are crispy and golden. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

2. Add ground turkey to the same pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and cooking for 8 minutes until browned and cooked through completely.

3. Stir in diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking for 6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and browned sausage back to the pot. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage wilts down significantly.

5. Remove lid and continue cooking for 10 minutes until excess liquid evaporates and flavors concentrate beautifully. Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper before serving.

12. Classic Sausage and Red Beans

Traditional red beans and rice recipe that’s perfect for Monday meals or any day you crave comfort food. The beans become creamy and flavorful with slow simmering.

Ingredients: 1 pound dried red kidney beans, 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 1 large onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 3 celery stalks (chopped), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste, cooked white rice for serving.

How To Make Classic Sausage and Red Beans

1. Soak dried beans overnight in plenty of cold water, then drain and rinse thoroughly. This step ensures even cooking and helps prevent the beans from splitting during the long simmer.

2. Brown sausage slices in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges. Remove sausage and set aside, keeping those delicious drippings in the pot.

3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the sausage drippings, cooking for 8 minutes until vegetables are soft and aromatic. This vegetable base creates the foundation of flavor.

4. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and cayenne, cooking for 1 minute until spices become fragrant. Add drained beans, bay leaves, and enough water to cover by 2 inches.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed. Return sausage to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Continue simmering until beans are creamy and tender, mashing some against the side of the pot to thicken the liquid. Season with salt and pepper, then serve over fluffy white rice.

13. Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage

Bold and spicy pasta dish loaded with smoky sausage and colorful vegetables in a creamy Cajun sauce. This adaptable recipe works with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced), 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1½ cups heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining. The starchy water will help create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown sausage slices for 6 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

3. Add sliced bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms to the same skillet, cooking for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized around the edges for maximum flavor development.

4. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices are fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Return sausage to the skillet along with cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats every piece beautifully.

14. Grilled Sausage with Garden Vegetables

Simple grilled dinner featuring smoky sausage alongside tender potatoes and fresh green beans. This complete one-pan meal delivers satisfying flavors with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients: 2 pounds smoked sausage, 2 pounds small potatoes (halved), 1½ pounds fresh green beans (trimmed), 1 large onion (sliced), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste, fresh herbs for garnish.

How To Make Grilled Sausage with Garden Vegetables

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and prepare a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil for the vegetables. This method keeps everything together while allowing proper cooking.

2. Toss halved potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated with seasonings.

3. Place seasoned potatoes on the prepared foil and grill for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to become tender and develop some golden color.

4. Add trimmed green beans and sliced onion to the foil packet with potatoes, drizzling with remaining olive oil and tossing gently to combine all the vegetables.

5. Continue grilling vegetables for another 15 minutes while placing whole sausages directly on the grill grates. Turn sausages every 5 minutes until heated through and nicely marked.

6. Remove everything from the grill when vegetables are fork-tender and sausages are golden brown. Slice sausages and serve alongside the grilled vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

These smoky sausage recipes prove that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to satisfy your family’s appetites completely.

From quick weeknight pastas to slow-simmered comfort foods, you now have plenty of options to make every meal memorable and delicious.