I still remember the day my neighbor June invited me over after church for a “quick lunch.” We’d both just retired and were adjusting to quiet weekdays, empty schedules, and fewer lunchboxes to pack.
Her kitchen smelled like something was bubbling with comfort, and sure enough, she had a big pot on the stove, full of creamy pasta and smoky sausage. We ate right there at the counter with mismatched bowls, and I couldn’t stop asking questions between bites.
Later that week, I tried recreating it from memory. I adjusted the spices, swapped the noodles, and added more cheese, because why not? That version eventually became this recipe. I’ve made it for busy grandkids, hungry neighbors, and tired weeknights. It’s one of those no-fuss, flavor-packed meals that comes together in a single pot and never leaves much behind.
Making it reminds me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be warm, hearty, and made with love. And when the pot gets scraped clean and someone asks, “Is there more?”—well, that’s all the reward I need.
Short Description
Creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky flavor, this one-pot smoked sausage pasta is a comforting dinner made with simple pantry staples—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Key Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces dry whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Tools Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own)
- Ladle or large spoon for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sausage slices. Sauté for about 6–8 minutes until onions are soft and sausage is browned around the edges.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), heavy cream, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Stir in the dry bow tie pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The sauce should be silky and rich.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with the remaining cheese. Serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor: The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Easy Clean-Up: Everything cooks in one pot—fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike dig into this dish without hesitation.
Hearty and Filling: With sausage, pasta, and cheese, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.
Flexible: Can easily adapt to what you have in your fridge or pantry.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Pasta: It can turn mushy.
Solution: Check pasta at the 15-minute mark. It should be tender but not soft.
Sausage Too Greasy: Some varieties can release excess fat.
Solution: Drain sausage slightly on a paper towel before adding other ingredients.
Pasta Sticking to the Pot: Happens if not stirred.
Solution: Stir every 4–5 minutes while simmering.
Cheese Clumping: Can happen if added while boiling.
Solution: Remove pot from heat before stirring in cheese.
Too Salty: Depending on your sausage and broth.
Solution: Taste before adding salt; you might not need any additional.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Add a side of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for scooping up extra sauce.
Enjoy with a light red wine, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.
Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy Sunday meals.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat on Stove: Add a splash of broth or milk and stir over low heat until warmed.
Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to maintain creamy texture.
Avoid Drying Out: Always reheat with a bit of moisture to keep it saucy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, or shells all work well—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of butter as a substitute.
3. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It reheats well and the flavors deepen overnight.
4. Is there a vegetarian version?
Swap the sausage for smoked tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or peas can be added during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Tricks
Slice sausage slightly on the diagonal for better browning and visual appeal.
Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting—it’s creamier than pre-shredded.
Stir pasta well during the first few minutes to avoid sticking at the bottom.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to boost the smoky flavor.
Want a little kick? Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Cajun Version: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with the garlic. Stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese with the cheddar.
Lighter Option: Use turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, and replace cream with evaporated milk.
Tex-Mex Twist: Use Rotel instead of plain tomatoes, and stir in black beans and corn.
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta: Add steamed broccoli florets in the last 5 minutes of cooking and swap sausage for chicken.
Italian-Inspired: Use Italian-style smoked sausage, add chopped spinach, and sprinkle with mozzarella and basil.
Final Thoughts
This one-pot smoked sausage pasta is filling, easy to make, and packed with bold flavors that feel like comfort food at its best. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your mood or pantry, and it still turns out beautifully.
Every spoonful feels like a little hug from the kitchen. That’s why I keep coming back to it, and I hope you will too. Cooking should nourish more than just our stomachs, it should feed our souls. And with this dish, it does just that.
Cheesy One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Print ThisIngredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces dry whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add sausage and onion; sauté for 6–8 minutes until browned and softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add broth, diced tomatoes, cream, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Stir in pasta, cover, and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls, top with extra cheese, and serve warm.
