Take pasta to bold new heights with this Smoked Pasta by Chef Tom—where rich Italian flavors meet the magic of smoke. Imagine penne or ziti simmered in tomato sauce, layering with creamy ricotta, basil, and mozzarella, then smoked until the top browns with savory allure.
Smoked Pasta
Tom Jackson
Rated 4.5 stars by 2 users
Category
Entree
Cuisine
Italian
Servings
6-8
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Calories
632
This dish elevates everyday comfort food into something unforgettable. It melds rustic BBQ technique with Italian soul, delivering a cozy yet sophisticated entree that’s perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti, rigatone or penne
- 1 (26 oz) jar of your favorite pasta sauce
- 2 links italian sausage, cooked, diced
- 16 oz ricotta
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, minced
- 6 oz parmesan, grated
- 8 oz mozzarella or burrata
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta to al dente (not too soft). For cooking times, refer to the pasta packaging for cook times.
Preheat your Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill to 250°F. Combine the pasta and pasta sauce in a bowl. Toss to combine.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, herbs and one cup of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, mix to combine ingredients. Transfer the ricotta mixture to a plastic zip top bag.
Place half of the sauced noodles in Lodge Logic 12" Cast Iron Skillet.
Top the pasta with half of the ricotta mixture (cut corner of bag and pipe over pasta), half of the mozzarella (torn or cut into pieces), half of the diced hot link and half of the remaining Parmesan.
Pour the rest of the pasta in the pan. Top it with the remaining ricotta mixture, mozzarella, hot link and Parmesan.
- Cook the dish at 250°F for half an hour. After half an hour turn the heat up to 400°F and cook until the dish begins to brown on top and around the edges, about 30 minutes more.
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Note
What You’ll Love
Smoky depth in your pasta – Smoked low and slow, the pasta absorbs warm, woody flavor unlike any oven-baked version.
Creamy, layered richness – Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs enrich the sauce and noodles in every bite.
Effort and wow balance – Minimal hands-on steps lead to a deeply flavorful dish with a stunning golden crust.
One-pan, crave-worthy comfort – Served straight from the cast-iron skillet, it’s hearty, elegant, and supremely satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pasta?
Yes—just reduce initial cook time so it's slightly underdone before smoking.
What if I don't have a smoker?
Use a 400°F oven to finish the dish after the initial baking stage.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Absolutely—assemble everything, refrigerate, then smoke when ready.
Can I use dried herbs instead?
Yes—use about 1 tsp each of dried herbs in place of fresh.
Can I cook these indoors?
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 11.79 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 632
- Carbs
- 57.3 grams
- Protein
- 39.1 grams
- Fat
- 27.6 grams
- Sodium
- 1327 milligrams
