If you’re craving a comforting dinner that combines smoky, creamy, and pasta perfection all in one pot, look no further than this dazzling One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together hearty smoked sausage, tender penne, and a luscious combination of tomatoes, cream, and cheese into a seamless one-pot masterpiece. It’s not only incredibly satisfying but also wonderfully straightforward, making weeknight meals feel special without any extra fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe plays an essential role, from building smoky and savory flavor to creating a luscious sauce that hugs every penne noodle. These simple ingredients come together effortlessly and paint the dish with vibrant colors and textures.
- Olive oil: A splash of richness to start the sausage and vegetables sizzling and prevent sticking.
- Smoked sausage (about 14 oz): The star of the dish, offering a smoky, meaty depth and satisfying bite.
- Onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Builds aromatic layers that elevate every component of the pasta.
- Bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- Diced tomatoes with liquid (14.5 oz can): Adds acidity and juiciness to balance the creaminess.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Creates the perfect flavorful base to cook the pasta in and meld everything together.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Envelopes the sausage and veggies in a rich, silky sauce.
- Penne pasta (8 oz): The hearty, ridged pasta captures all the delicious sauce with each forkful.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into a creamy, gooey finish that defines comfort food.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish with freshness.
How to Make One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the sausage and aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced smoked sausage and let it brown, developing that irresistible caramelized flavor and smoky aroma. After about five minutes, toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness into the pan.
Step 2: Add garlic and bell pepper
Once the onions are ready, stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper. These two ingredients bring fresh, robust notes that soften as they mingle with the sausage, adding layers of texture and a gentle sweetness that balances the smoky sausage.
Step 3: Incorporate liquids and pasta
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream—this trio forms the luscious sauce base. Next, stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure each piece is submerged in the liquid. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all those fantastic flavors.
Step 4: Season and simmer
Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper over the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook to the perfect al dente texture while absorbing the rich sauce.
Step 5: Melt in the cheese
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in your shredded cheese. This final touch transforms the sauce into a creamy, cheesy dream that coats each bite with comfort and indulgence. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and bright flavor.
How to Serve One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of green that visually lifts the dish while complementing the smoky and creamy flavors. For an extra touch, feel free to sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or cracked red pepper flakes for heat and complexity.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls also make ideal companions by offering a satisfying crunch to accompany every saucy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe family-style straight from the pot for a cozy, casual meal. Alternatively, portion it into shallow bowls and garnish with extra herbs and cheese for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s both rustic and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delightful next-day meal.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce and recapture that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds the perfect smoky depth, you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta’s texture during simmering.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich and velvety. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of butter or some cream cheese to maintain creaminess.
How spicy is this pasta? Can I adjust the heat?
The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or substituting spicy sausage can give it a nice kick tailored to your taste.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella both melt beautifully here, but you can also try a blend or add a sharper cheese like smoked gouda for an extra dimension.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe is a delightful, fuss-free meal that combines comfort, flavor, and ease all in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this pasta is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining smoky sausage, tender penne, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package smoked sausage, thinly sliced (about 14 oz)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, to bring out its smoky flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, to soften and release its sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, and heavy cream to create the sauce base.
- Incorporate Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Season: Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, then stir everything together to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage of your choice; kielbasa or andouille work well.
- For a spicier dish, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes along with paprika.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
