This easy one-pot cheesy smoked sausage pasta is a winner! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the smoked sausage. Plus, all you need is one pot, making clean-up a breeze!
I love how quick this dish comes together. Just toss everything in, stir, and let it bubble away. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy without the fuss. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This is what gives the dish its rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider turkey sausage or vegan sausage for lighter options. I enjoy using spicy sausage for an extra kick!
Pasta: I recommend penne or rotini for this recipe, as they hold sauce well. However, any short pasta like fusilli or shells will work too! If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is perfect for melting, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Sometimes I mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess!
Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of bouillon. This adds depth to the pasta, while still keeping it light.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Clumping?
Balancing the dairy and timing is crucial for a smooth, creamy sauce. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cook the pasta in the broth and milk mixture to absorb flavors and create a creamy base.
- Add cheeses gradually, ensuring each addition melts completely before adding more. Stir continuously!
- Don’t rush it! Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent clumping.
This keeps the sauce nice and creamy without any lumps. Trust me, you’ll love the fluffy texture!
Easy One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, making it around 35-40 minutes total. You’ll have a delicious one-pot meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once your oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and has a nice flavor, about 4-5 minutes. When it’s done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot with the leftover oil, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is softened and slightly translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Stir in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Combine everything well. After everything is mixed, bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Pasta:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes. You want the pasta to cook through and for most of the liquid to be absorbed. Keep an eye on it to avoid sticking!
5. Add Cheese & Season:
After the pasta is cooked, it’s time to add in the deliciousness! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. If you want to add in the optional frozen peas or chopped bell peppers, do that now and let everything heat through for a couple of minutes.
6. Taste & Serve:
Give everything a final taste and adjust the seasonings as you like. Once satisfied, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish your pasta with fresh parsley or green onions for a nice touch and serve immediately!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and smoky sausage pasta all made in one pot! Dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can use other types like kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a lighter or plant-based option. Just slice them similarly and follow the same cooking instructions!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water with bouillon cubes or granules. Alternatively, vegetable broth works great as a substitute for a vegetarian version and adds a nice flavor, too!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You can also choose a spicy smoked sausage for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste to get that perfect heat level!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating!
Feel free to adjust the recipe to make it your own! Enjoy!
