One Pot Creamy Corn and Sausage Pasta

 Hey Y'all!  Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen.  Look, we all love a dinner that sounds fancy, but it secretly just a delicious dump-it-and-stir situation.  That's where this One Pot Creamy Corn and Sausage Pasta comes in hot.  

It's a comfort food masterpiece built on sweet summer corn, smoky sausage, and a creamy sauce that clings to every bite like it's got separation anxiety.  

It's quick, it's comforting, and it's got that "wait, is this gourmet or just criminally easy?" kind of vibe.  Spoiler Alert:  It's both!  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS CREAMY CORN AND SAUSAGE PASTA:

• One Pot = One Dish to Clean:  Need I say more?
• Savory, Sweet, and Creamy:  All in one cozy bite.
• Family Friendly and Picky Eater Approved:  Even the corn skeptics will be back for seconds.
• Ready in Under 30 Minutes:  Because no one has time for a 12-step pasta ritual on a Tuesday.  
• Perfect for Summer OR Winter:  Fresh corn?  Great.  Frozen corn?  Also great.  Canned?  Still great.  We listen and we don't judge.  

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

Here's what's going to make this magic pot of joy:

• 1 lb Italian Sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed if needed.  
• 1 (12 oz) bag of Frozen Corn 
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Minced
• 1 (16 oz) box of Dried Pasta (short shapes like penne or rigatoni work well)
• 4 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• A Pinch of Red Chili Flake
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Fresh Parmesan Cheese 
• Optional:  Fresh Parsley or Basil, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE IT IN ONE GLORIOUS POT:

1. Brown the Sausage:  In a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.  Drain excess fat. 
2. Sauté Aromatics:  Add the minced garlic to the pot with the sausage, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.  
3. Add Pasta and Liquids:  Stir in the dried pasta and broth.  Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.  
4. Simmer the Pasta:  Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.  Add a splash of water if the pot gets too dry before the pasta is done.  
5. Add the Corn and Cream:  Stir in the frozen corn, cream, and seasonings.  Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through and the sauce is creamy.  Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.  
6. Finish and Serve:  Top with fresh parmesan, cover and let melt, add fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve.  

TIPS AND TRICKS:

• Want a little heat?  Add a dash of cayenne or sliced jalapeños.  
• Use rotisserie chicken instead of sausage for a different twist.  
• Don't overcook your pasta!  It's cooking in broth, not water, and that starch will thicken things beautifully.  
• Make it extra creamy with a dollop of cream cheese stirred in at the end.  You're already committed, so go big!  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use different types of sausage?  

Yes!  Andouille, turkey sausage, even smoked sausage all work beautifully.  

Is this spicy?

Only if you want it to be.  Add crushed pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little kick.  

Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk.  

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely!  Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and keep and eye on the cooking time.  

MAKE THIS TONIGHT AND THANK YOURSELF LATER!

This One Pot Creamy Corn and Sausage Pasta is what happens when cozy comfort food and minimal effort fall madly in love.  Whether you're feeding your family, hosting friends, or just cooking in pajamas at 10 p.m. (no judgement), this pasta hits the spot every single time!  

So go ahead, grab your biggest pot and your favorite spoon.  It's about to get corny in the best way possible!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~