Smoked Sausage Pasta

This one pot smoked sausage pasta has saved countless weeknight dinners in my household. When you're juggling work, kids, and everything in between, having a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup is pure gold. The smoky sausage pairs beautifully with creamy cheddar sauce, and everything cooks together in one pot so you can spend more time with your family and less time scrubbing dishes.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when my usual dinner rotation felt overwhelming. My daughter took one bite and declared it better than restaurant pasta, and honestly, she wasn't wrong. The way the pasta absorbs all those rich flavors while cooking makes every bite absolutely satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil: for browning the sausage and creating that flavorful base
• 2 pounds smoked sausage: sliced into bite sized pieces, choose a quality brand like Hillshire Farm for best results
• 1 medium onion: chopped, yellow onions work perfectly for their mild sweetness
• 3 cloves garlic: minced, fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor depth
• 2 cups chicken broth: low sodium preferred so you control the salt level
• 12 ounces diced tomatoes: undrained, the juice adds important liquid and flavor
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: for that luxurious creamy texture
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: freshly ground black pepper works best
• 8 ounces dry whole wheat bow tie pasta: the shape holds sauce perfectly
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar gives the most flavor punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sausage:

Slice your smoked sausage into bite sized pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes every bite manageable. Take your time with this step because uniform pieces mean uniform cooking.

Brown the Base:

Heat olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and chopped onion, cooking until the onions soften and turn translucent while the sausage develops a beautiful golden brown color. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes and creates the flavor foundation for your entire dish.

Add the Aromatics:

Stir in your minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully here because garlic can burn quickly, and burnt garlic will make your whole dish bitter. You want it just fragrant and lightly golden.

Build the Sauce:

Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, heavy cream, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those browned bits are pure flavor gold, so don't leave them behind.

Cook the Pasta:

Add your dry pasta directly to the pot, stirring it into the sauce mixture. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered with liquid. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid as it cooks, concentrating all those wonderful flavors.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without making it grainy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately while hot, with additional shredded cheese on the side for those who want extra cheesy goodness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the pot.

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My favorite part about this recipe is watching my family's faces light up when they smell it cooking. There's something magical about how the smoky sausage and creamy cheese create this comfort food masterpiece. I've made this countless times for potluck dinners, and it's always the first dish to disappear from the table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce while stored. Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through. For freezer storage, portion into family sized containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have available. Turkey sausage works wonderfully for a leaner option, while spicy Italian sausage adds a kick of heat. Any short pasta shape will work well, including penne, rigatoni, or shells. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Monterey Jack or Colby cheese can replace the cheddar if needed, and vegetable broth works for those avoiding chicken products.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta stands beautifully on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls make excellent sides for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, steam some broccoli or green beans and serve alongside. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti complements the smoky, creamy flavors perfectly.

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Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, smoked sausage can be substituted with kielbasa or another favorite sausage for varied flavors.

→ Is whole wheat pasta necessary?

No, you can use regular pasta or other shapes but cooking times may vary slightly.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives to keep the creamy texture.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich flavors nicely.