This One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Dinner is a total winner! It’s packed with tasty sausage, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in just one pot.
Who doesn’t love easy cleanup after a long day? I love mixing it all together and watching the cheese melt into a delicious sauce. It’s comfort food at its best! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well. Vegetarian sausage can be a great alternative too.
Pasta: While penne and rotini are perfect choices, you can easily swap in any pasta shape you have on hand, like farfalle or even whole wheat for more fiber.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic pick for its great melting properties, but feel free to mix it up with pepper jack for some heat or a blend of Italian cheeses for variety.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamier texture, but you can use any milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk if you’re looking for a lighter or lactose-free option.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in One Pot Dinners?
To really enhance the flavors in this one-pot dish, focus on browning the sausage well. This step boosts the overall taste with its delicious, smoky notes. Also, take care when sautéing the onions and peppers; the more caramelized they get, the better your dish will taste!
- Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned—don’t rush this step!
- Sauté the onions and peppers until they’re soft and slightly golden to deepen the flavor.
- Mix in the garlic right before adding the pasta to keep its fresh taste.
These little details will elevate your pasta dinner and make it a hit every time! Enjoy cooking!
One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Dinner will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s both hearty and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it is browned on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them until they are softened, which will take about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the Pasta and Liquid:
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, followed by the chicken broth and milk. Stir everything together to combine nicely.
4. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir to make sure all the flavors are mixed well.
5. Cook until Tender:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the Cheese and Sausage:
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and create a creamy texture.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your delicious pasta. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your hearty pasta hot, and if you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy smoked sausage pasta—all made in one pot for easy cleanup!
FAQ for One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a great flavor, you can substitute it with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based sausage. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on your choice!
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand! From rotini to farfalle, all should work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes may require a little more or less time to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce if it’s become too thick.
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese and sausage, then cool it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a pot, stir in the cheese, and cook until warmed through and gooey!
