Creamy One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe

Whipping up a delightful one pot cheesy smoked sausage pasta skillet can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty meal that comes together effortlessly.

Smoky sausage chunks mingle with tender pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, promising a creamy texture that’ll make you swoon.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight warriors and flavor seekers, you’ll want to bookmark this game-changing recipe that delivers happiness in every forkful.

Flavor Variations for One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for a meat-free version that still delivers rich, hearty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Spicy Lover's Edition: Add extra diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and include red pepper flakes for an intensified heat profile that will satisfy spice enthusiasts.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the original recipe's comforting essence.

FAQ Set for One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with chilies, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot tomatoes, or adding extra red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add frozen vegetables like peas, spinach, or mixed vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking to boost the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet to Feed a Crowd

• Solve dinner dilemmas with this lightning-fast one-pot meal that goes from stove to table in under 30 minutes.
• Eliminate dishwashing stress by using just one skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious post-dinner time.
• Combine kid-approved smoked sausage with cheesy pasta and a hint of spice, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Whip up a hearty, delicious meal using affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

• Smoked Sausage: Hearty meat that adds smoky flavor and protein, choose high-quality sausage with good seasoning.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid that creates depth of flavor and helps cook pasta, low-sodium version works best.

• Milk: Creamy base that helps create smooth sauce, whole milk provides richer texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds tangy richness, shredded for easy melting.

• Onion: Aromatic base that provides sweet underlying flavor, yellow or white onions work great.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that adds depth, fresh garlic preferred over pre-minced.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds bright color and mild onion flavor, optional but recommended.

• Dry Pasta: Quick-cooking pasta that absorbs broth and creates one-pot meal, medium shells or rotini recommended.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Adds moisture and slight heat, canned version provides convenience.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor.
• Paprika: Mild spice that adds warm color and light smokiness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

Make This One Pot Sausage Pasta in a Few Simple Steps

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until golden brown, letting the edges crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Toss in diced onion and cook until they become translucent and tender. Add minced garlic and sauté until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Base

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Dry pasta
• Diced tomatoes with chilies
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, rich sauce.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting one-pot wonder!

Top Tips for Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet

• Choose Low-Sodium Sausage: Select a reduced-sodium smoked sausage to control salt intake while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of diced tomatoes with chilies or swap with regular diced tomatoes for milder heat preferences.
• Boost Vegetable Content: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the onion cooking stage to increase nutritional value.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options without compromising the overall dish's creamy texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Complete this entire one-pot meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Keep One Pot Sausage Pasta Fresh and Ready to Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using stovetop or microwave methods.

Side Dishes to Match This Cheesy Pasta Skillet

• A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta.
• Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to complement the smoky sausage and balance the creamy cheese.
• Grab a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah that stands up to the bold sausage and spicy tomato flavors.
• Serve a light, cucumber-infused water or sparkling lemonade to cleanse the palate between bites.

One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one pot cheesy smoked sausage pasta skillet brings comfort and convenience to weeknight dining. Creamy cheese, tender sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta combine in a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) smoked sausage, sliced

Pasta and Liquid Base:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) dry pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium flame, creating a perfect cooking surface.
2. Introduce sliced smoked sausage, allowing it to develop a rich golden-brown exterior through careful browning.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet, stirring briefly to unlock its intense fragrance without burning.
5. Create a flavorful liquid base by combining chicken broth, milk, uncooked pasta, zesty diced tomatoes with chilies, and a blend of paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling point, then reduce heat and cover, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender.
7. After the pasta reaches ideal consistency, unveil the skillet and integrate shredded cheddar cheese, gently folding until it melts into a luxurious, creamy sauce.
8. Allow the dish to rest momentarily, enabling the sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
9. For a final touch of freshness, scatter chopped green onions across the top before serving the steaming skillet directly to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes with chilies to match your preferred spice tolerance.
• Swap regular milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version of the dish.
• Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the meal.
• Select low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and make the recipe more heart-healthy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg