One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

This One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce in just one pan. It’s an easy, weeknight-friendly recipe the whole family will love, with bold flavors and minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• One pot = less mess: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Big flavor: Smoky sausage and melty cheese bring tons of savory richness.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the cheese, sausage, or add veggies.
• Kid-friendly: Creamy, cheesy pasta is always a hit with the little ones.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
• Yellow onion, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes (with or without green chilies)
• Heavy cream or whole milk
• Dry pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• Salt and black pepper
• Shredded Cheddar-Jack or your favorite melty cheese blend
• Chopped parsley or scallions for garnish (optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Sauté the sausage and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add the dry pasta and season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in most of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover for 2–3 minutes to let it melt.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley or scallions if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Use spicy andouille sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Different pasta: Try bowtie, rigatoni, or shells.
• Cheese swaps: Mozzarella, provolone, or gouda can be used for different flavor profiles.
• Low-fat option: Use turkey sausage and light cream or milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Smoked sausage like kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage all work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and tastes great reheated.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can make it spicy by using hot sausage or adding chili flakes.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely—mozzarella, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend would work well.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, bowtie, or shells are ideal for absorbing the sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, whole milk works fine. The sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering, and make sure there’s enough liquid.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. The sauce texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Can I add more protein?

Yes, cooked chicken or shrimp can be added along with the sausage or in place of it.

Conclusion

This One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner—hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. With just one pan and simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting meal that everyone will ask for again and again. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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