If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal that comes together with ease and delivers big on comfort, the Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is here to steal your heart. This dish combines smoky sausage with tender potatoes, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce seasoned just right with paprika, salt, and pepper. It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that creates a one-pan meal perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but they’re absolutely essential to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your skillet. Each one plays a key role: the smoked sausage brings a rich, smoky depth; the potatoes add hearty comfort; while the cream creates an irresistibly smooth and luscious sauce.
- 1 lb smoked sausage: Choose your favorite smoked sausage for a bold, savory flavor that forms the dish’s backbone.
- 1 ½ lbs potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work beautifully for their creamy interiors and ability to hold shape.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds richness and creates the silky sauce that makes every bite indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A hint of smoky warmth that brightens the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together, enhancing the natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage Slices
Start by slicing the smoked sausage into rounds about half an inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sausage slices. Cook them until they develop a golden brown crust and release their flavorful oils. This step is crucial because that browned exterior brings a smoky caramelized note that infuses the entire dish with mouthwatering depth.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Cook Until Tender
Once your sausage is perfectly browned, add diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir them together so they soak up that sausage flavor. Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the potatoes cook slowly until they become tender when pierced with a fork. This gentle cooking ensures each potato piece is soft but still holds its shape, soaking up the smoky essence from the sausage.
Step 3: Stir in Cream and Seasoning
Next comes the magic: pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the skillet. Stir everything together gently to combine. The cream will thicken slightly as it heats, coating the sausage and potatoes in a rich, velvety sauce. This final step transforms the dish into that dreamy, comforting skillet meal you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish. A light sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can also be a lovely melty topping if you want to amp up the indulgence.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add a healthy contrast. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all the creamy sauce, making every last bit count.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy sausage and potatoes skillet in individual cast iron skillets straight to the table—this makes for an impressive, rustic presentation. Alternatively, spoon the mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or even creamy polenta to give an Italian-inspired spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, giving you an easy, flavorful lunch or dinner option for the next few days.
Freezing
This skillet recipe freezes nicely. Just cool the dish completely and pop it into a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce and keep it nice and creamy. Microwave reheating works too, but take care to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds robust flavor, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage, depending on your taste preferences. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets as they may fall apart during cooking.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute if you want a dairy-free version. The flavors will shift slightly but it will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach can enhance both the flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in when adding the potatoes or toward the end of cooking.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild, with just a touch of smoky warmth from the paprika. If you like heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, effortlessly delicious meal to become a staple in your dinner rotation, the Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your personal favorites too!
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Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Sausage & Potatoes recipe combines smoky sausage with tender potatoes in a rich, flavorful cream sauce seasoned with paprika. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 ½ lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
Seasonings & Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and releases its flavorful oil.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the browned sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Make it creamy and season: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly and coat the sausage and potatoes evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage such as kielbasa or andouille for best flavor.
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or chives as a garnish for extra color and freshness.
- Cook covered if you want to steam the potatoes slightly for faster tenderness.
