10-Minute Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta That’ll Make You Smile

Smoked sausage pasta is a warm and comforting dish that’s full of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

People who love to cook find this classic meal easy to prepare, yet it’s packed with taste.

The smoky sausage mixed with perfectly cooked pasta makes for a mouthwatering treat that many enjoy.

Adding creamy cheese and fragrant herbs takes it up a notch, making it feel like something special.

Both Italian and American styles have their own twists on this tasty pasta dish, making it a favorite dinner choice for many.

It’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the table to share its deliciousness.

Why Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Is So Filling

• Speedy Weeknight Savior: Whips up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families juggling work, school, and evening activities.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan, reducing dish washing time and making post-dinner relaxation a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Combines kid-approved ingredients like cheese, sausage, and pasta into a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both picky eaters and adults craving comfort food.
• Adaptable Meal Magic: Easily customizable with different cheese types, sausage varieties, or added vegetables to suit taste preferences and pantry availability.

Things You’ll Need For Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Protein Base: – Smoked Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the dish. Choose a high-quality smoked sausage with good spice blend.

• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base for cooking pasta and creating sauce. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of salt levels.

Pasta Component: – Pasta: Provides the starchy foundation of the dish. Short pasta like penne or rotini works best for even cooking and sauce absorption.

Dairy and Cheese: – Milk: Helps create creamy texture and bind ingredients. Whole milk preferred for richer consistency.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, tangy finish. Sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses recommended for depth of flavor.

Additional Flavor Enhancers:

Aromatics: – Onions, Garlic: Provide foundational flavor and aromatic base. Fresh onions and garlic preferred over pre-chopped versions.

Seasoning Components: – Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers more robust flavor.

Liquid Components: – Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and slight acidity to the dish. Choose canned tomatoes with their natural juices.

Garnish: – Scallions: Fresh green topping that adds bright, mild onion flavor and visual appeal. Thinly sliced for best presentation.

Cooking Base: – Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and adding subtle richness. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.

How To Make Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

• Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet
• Heat the skillet over medium-high temperature
• Add sliced sausage and chopped onions
• Cook until edges turn golden brown
• Toss in minced garlic
• Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant

Step 2: Create One-Pot Magic

• Pour in chicken broth
• Add diced tomatoes with their juices
• Include milk
• Sprinkle salt and pepper
• Drop uncooked pasta into the liquid
• Bring mixture to a rolling boil
• Reduce heat to low
• Cover skillet with lid
• Simmer for 15 minutes
• Check pasta for tenderness
• Ensure most liquid is absorbed

Step 3: Cheese It Up

• Turn off heat completely
• Fold in half of shredded cheese
• Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
• Cover skillet
• Let sit for 5 minutes
• Watch cheese melt beautifully

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Slice fresh scallions
• Scatter green onions across pasta
• Transfer to serving dish
• Enjoy hot and bubbling

Tips To Improve Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Slice Sausage Strategically: Cut smoked sausage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Manage Liquid Carefully: Watch the pasta liquid ratio closely, adding more broth if needed to prevent sticking or burning during the cooking process.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Select a melting cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for maximum creaminess and rich, bold flavor profile.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different nutritional preferences.
• Control Heat Precisely: Use medium-low heat when simmering to prevent burning and ensure pasta cooks evenly without scorching the bottom of the pan.

How To Store And Reheat Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Warming: Revive pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little liquid to prevent drying, stirring gently until heated through. This method helps maintain the original creamy texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Dairy-based pasta dishes don't freeze well, as cheese and milk can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Best Sides With Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Savor Hearty Red Wine Pairing: Bold Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through the rich, cheesy pasta, complementing the smoky sausage with its robust flavor profile and tannic structure.
• Balanced Green Salad Side: Crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Zesty Herb Accompaniment: Fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds bright, green notes that lift the dish's richness and introduce a subtle Mediterranean touch.
• Cool Craft Beer Match: Amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones perfectly balances the smoky sausage and creamy cheese, creating a satisfying flavor harmony.

Fun Twists On Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Veggie Delight Pasta: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or grilled zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time and maintain same cheese and sausage proportions.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of chili powder for a kickier flavor profile. Garnish with fresh cilantro instead of scallions.

FAQs About Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, rotini, or shells are ideal as they hold sauce well and have plenty of surface area to catch the cheesy goodness.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Polish kielbasa, Italian sausage, or andouille can replace smoked sausage and add unique flavor profiles to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The smoked sausage provides a mild heat, but you can adjust spiciness by choosing a spicier sausage or adding red pepper flakes.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, turkey sausage, whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.

Incredible Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta” delivers a hearty symphony of flavors that dance across comfort food lovers’ palates. Rich smoky sausage and melted cheese create a quick weeknight dinner promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) smoked turkey sausage, sliced

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) dry pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with or without chiles, like Rotel)

Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2–3 fresh cloves)
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup sliced scallions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Slice smoked sausage and chop onions into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
3. Introduce sliced sausage and onions to the pan, allowing them to caramelize and develop rich golden edges.
4. Mince garlic and quickly incorporate into the sausage mixture, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Pour chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and milk into the skillet, creating a flavorful cooking liquid.
6. Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, seasoning with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
7. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
8. Cover the skillet and allow the pasta to cook, absorbing the savory liquid for roughly 15 minutes until perfectly tender.
9. Remove from heat and fold in half of the designated cheese, stirring until smoothly integrated.
10. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top of the pasta, creating a melty blanket.
11. Let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to ensure complete cheese melting.
12. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, sharp contrast.
13. Serve immediately while warm and bubbling.

Notes

• Choose a smoked sausage with robust flavor like Andouille or kielbasa for extra depth in your pasta dish.
• Lower the sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and using less added salt during cooking.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Create a lighter version by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of whole milk, reducing overall calorie

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg