Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick, one-pot meal packed with savory smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Made in 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. No need to pre-cook the pasta—it all simmers together for easy prep and minimal cleanup!
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
✔ Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
✔ 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.
✔ 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.