One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta: Creamy Comfort, Easy Cleanup!
Imagine tender pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, all simmering together in a single pot. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe! It’s the ultimate weeknight hero: minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Say goodbye to multiple pots and hello to effortless deliciousness!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Convenience: True to its name, everything cooks in one pot! This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: The smoked sausage infuses the entire dish with a delicious, smoky depth, while the creamy cheddar sauce makes every bite utterly comforting.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
- Family Favorite: This is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will ask for again and again.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your one-pot wonder:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or Andouille), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 8 ounces rotini, penne, or cavatappi pasta (or any medium-sized pasta)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional, but highly recommended for a touch of green!)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions: One Pot, Endless Flavor!
1. Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add Liquids and Pasta:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta to the pot, stirring well to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite) and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The stirring is important to prevent the pasta from sticking.
3. Finish with Spinach, Cheese, and Sausage:
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh baby spinach (if using) until it wilts into the pasta. Add the cooked smoked sausage back into the pot. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creates a rich, creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the sausage and broth might already be salty.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and savor the effortless deliciousness!
Tips for One-Pot Perfection
- Stir Often: To prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensuring even cooking, give it a good stir every few minutes while it simmers.
- Liquid Adjustment: The amount of liquid needed can vary slightly depending on your pasta shape and pot size. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth or milk. If it’s too thin after cooking, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Cheese Choice: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix for different flavor profiles.
- Add Some Heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or use spicy Andouille sausage.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers (sauté them with the onion) or frozen peas (add them with the spinach).
This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is comfort food at its finest, proving that delicious meals don’t have to mean a sink full of dishes! Enjoy!