When life gets busy, a delicious, hearty meal that comes together without a mountain of dishes is a true lifesaver. That’s exactly what you get with this Easy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe! Imagine a creamy, savory pasta dish packed with smoky flavor, tender noodles, and a hint of spice, all cooked in a single pot. Yes, you heard that right – one pot, maximum flavor, and minimal cleanup. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
I’m a huge fan of meals that deliver big on taste while keeping things simple, and this smoked sausage pasta hits every mark. The smoked sausage provides an incredible depth of flavor that infuses into the entire dish, while the diced tomatoes with green chilies add a subtle warmth and zest. It’s the kind of comforting meal that makes you feel like you've spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick solo meal, this recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or chicken smoked sausage, the method remains the same, guaranteeing a consistently delicious outcome every time. If you love the idea of simple, flavorful skillet meals, you might also enjoy our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet for another easy option!
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Wonder
This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a game-changer for busy evenings. Here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to:
- Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you're looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for those "what's for dinner?" moments.
- Flavor-Packed: The smoked sausage, combined with savory broth and creamy sauce, creates an unbelievably rich taste.
- Customizable: Easily swap out the sausage or pasta type, and add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Smoked sausage is a star ingredient here, known for its robust flavor and ease of cooking. You can learn more about its culinary uses and varieties on Wikipedia.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the steps, let's make sure you have everything you need for this hearty one-pot meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound beef smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 8 oz penne or any short pasta
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Easy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal ready in no time!
Preparing Your Sausage and Aromatics
Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced beef smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges — about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and just softened.
Bringing It All Together
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice). Stir everything together to combine with the sausage and onion mixture.
Step 4: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot, along with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a thick, creamy sauce.
The Grand Finale!
Step 6: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth — the cheese will pull everything together into a silky, rich sauce.
Step 7: If desired, top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta hot, straight from the pot, for a meal that’s guaranteed to please.
Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Pasta
- Don't Skimp on Stirring: Especially during simmering, occasional stirring prevents pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end adds brightness and a pop of color.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
If you're looking for more satisfying, saucy meals that bring a comforting warmth, make sure to check out our Shrimp Creole with Creole Sauce. It’s another flavorful dish that delivers on taste and satisfaction!
Conclusion
This Easy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create something truly spectacular. It’s comforting, incredibly flavorful, and best of all, the cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Give it a try tonight and taste the magic for yourself!
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta or sausage in this one-pot recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. For pasta, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or even elbow macaroni will work wonderfully. For sausage, feel free to substitute beef smoked sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy andouille sausage for a kick. Ensure it's fully cooked before slicing and browning.
What can I do if I don't have heavy cream for the sauce?
While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter sauce. To maintain some creaminess, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a little extra shredded cheddar cheese at the end to help thicken the sauce.
How can I store and reheat leftover smoked sausage pasta?
Leftovers are fantastic! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find the sauce has thickened significantly. Simply add a splash of chicken broth or extra cream during reheating (either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave) to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Can I add vegetables to my one-pot smoked sausage pasta?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor! Bell peppers, spinach, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini are all excellent choices. Add them to the pot along with the diced onion and minced garlic in Step 2, allowing them to sautu00e9 and soften before adding the liquids and pasta.
Easy One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A quick and comforting one-pot recipe featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound beef smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
8 oz penne or any short pasta
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced beef smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges — about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and just softened.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice). Stir everything together to combine with the sausage and onion mixture.
Step 4: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot, along with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a thick, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth — the cheese will pull everything together into a silky, rich sauce.
Step 7: If desired, top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta hot, straight from the pot, for a meal that’s guaranteed to please.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the paprika. Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
