If you’re looking for a delicious, easy dinner that requires minimal cleanup, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice! Made in just one pot, this dish combines tender pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple.
With just a handful of pantry staples, this weeknight favorite comes together in 30 minutes or less. The best part? No need to pre-cook the pasta—it all simmers together for maximum flavor!
Ingredients for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy one-pot pasta:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced – use beef, turkey, or kielbasa)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 4 teaspoons garlic (minced, about 4 cloves)
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta (or any short pasta like penne or rotini)
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream (or substitute with milk/half-and-half + cream cheese for thickness)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded – sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work well)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Seasonings & Extras
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- Optional: fresh parsley (for garnish)
This flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Want a spicier kick? Try Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Need a lighter version? Use turkey sausage and milk instead of cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Follow these simple steps to make this one-pot creamy sausage pasta:
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and slice the green onions for garnish.
2. Cook the Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and diced onion, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned and softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta & Liquids
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta absorbs the liquid. If needed, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent sticking.
5. Melt in the Cheese
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Stir well, scoop into bowls, and garnish with green onions (and optional fresh parsley).
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, smoky pasta!
Cooking Time, Servings & Pro Tips
Cooking & Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Makes 4 servings
- Easily double or triple the recipe for meal prep or larger gatherings.
Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage Pasta
✅ Use Any Type of Smoked Sausage: Beef, turkey, andouille, or kielbasa all work great! Turkey sausage is a leaner option.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on it while simmering. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add extra chicken stock.
✅ Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use Rotel tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat.
✅ Cream Alternatives: No heavy cream? Use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a creamy texture.
✅ Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but you can also try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
Storage, Reheating & Nutritional Information
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken stock or milk and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring until creamy and warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Add a little liquid if needed to prevent drying out.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Estimated values, may vary based on ingredients used)
- Calories: ~926 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 63g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Cholesterol: 157mg
- Sodium: 2440mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
This dish is hearty and rich, making it a great comfort meal. If you prefer a lighter version, use turkey sausage, milk instead of cream, and reduced-fat cheese.
FAQ for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
❓ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! You may need to add a little cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
❓ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work best. Long pasta like spaghetti may not cook as evenly.
❓ Can I double this recipe?
Yes! If you love leftovers or have a big family, feel free to double or triple the ingredients.
❓ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, just dice 2-3 fresh tomatoes and add a splash of extra chicken stock if needed.
Recipe Variations & Additions
🔥 Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or use andouille sausage.
🥦 Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
🧀 Try Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a blend for a different flavor.
🥩 Switch Up the Protein: Use chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage instead of smoked sausage.
One-Pot Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – Easy & Cheesy!
🍞 Garlic Bread – The perfect way to soak up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
🥦 Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for a balanced meal.
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced – beef, turkey, or kielbasa
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 4 teaspoons garlic minced, about 4 cloves
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta or any short pasta like penne or rotini
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes canned, with juice
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk + cream cheese for thickness
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese shredded – sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced, for garnish
- Seasonings & Extras
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prep Ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, slice sausage, open diced tomatoes, and cut green onions.
- 2️⃣ Sauté Sausage & Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and onion, cooking for 1-2 minutes until browned. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 3️⃣ Add Pasta & Liquids: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Add uncooked pasta and mix well.
- 4️⃣ Simmer & Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra stock if needed.
- 5️⃣ Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt.
- 6️⃣ Serve & Garnish: Stir well, scoop into bowls, and garnish with green onions and fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
✔ Reheating: Add a splash of chicken stock or milk and warm on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals.
✔ Variations: Try Rotel tomatoes for spice, swap cheddar for mozzarella, or add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
✔ Lighter Option: Use turkey sausage, milk instead of cream, and reduced-fat cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights! With its rich, cheesy sauce, savory smoked sausage, and tender pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super customizable—swap the pasta, adjust the spice level, or throw in some veggies to make it your own.
💬 Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Did you add any fun twists? We’d love to hear how it turned out.
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