If a comforting, hearty dinner that comes together effortlessly in just one pot is what you’re after, this One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. Savory smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious, creamy tomato sauce mingle together, sending rich aromas through your kitchen and promising a dinner you’ll crave again and again. This dish brings the magic of minimal cleanup and maximum flavor to any night of the week, making it an instant staple for busy families, cozy couples, or anyone in need of a fast, delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is how streamlined yet flavorful the ingredient list is. Each component plays a key role, contributing its own taste, color, and texture to the finished dish without any fuss or unnecessary extras.
- Smoked Sausage: This star ingredient infuses the entire dish with smoky, savory depth—choose your favorite brand or variety for a personal touch.
- Pasta (penne or rotini works well): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated and satisfying.
- Olive Oil: A splash to sauté the sausage and vegetables, lending a smooth, light base flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, building a subtle background flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds irresistible aroma and that classic Italian flair.
- Bell Pepper (any color): Sliced peppers brighten up the dish visually, while offering mild sweetness and a tender-crisp bite.
- Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh): These create the base of the sauce, thinning it just enough for the pasta to cook while adding welcome tang.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and helps the pasta cook evenly in the same pot.
- Heavy Cream: Stirred in at the end, it transforms the sauce into something silky and crave-worthy.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to round out all the flavors with just a sprinkle.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for dialing in the seasoning to your taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the hot pasta for salty, cheesy finish and a touch of richness.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A shower of chopped herbs at the end makes it vibrant and fresh.
How to Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Smoked Sausage and Vegetables
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a swirl of olive oil. Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, until the edges are gorgeously browned and fragrant. Add your diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until just softened, then stir in the garlic. The aroma alone at this stage will have people wandering into the kitchen to see what’s for dinner!
Step 2: Build the Sauce
To those sizzling veggies and sausage, pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all) along with the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it up to a gentle simmer—it’s already starting to look and smell amazing.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Now for the clever part—add the dry pasta directly into the pot! Give it a good stir to submerge every piece in the flavorful liquid. Pop a lid on and simmer, checking and stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of that delicious broth. If it’s looking too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth or water as needed.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once your pasta is cooked perfectly, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream for a silky, unified sauce, and toss in the freshly grated Parmesan. Stir everything together—the creamy sauce will coat every twist and curve of pasta. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Step 5: Add Fresh Touches and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle in a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh, herby kick. Give everything one last gentle toss, ladle into bowls, and top with an extra shower of Parmesan if you like things extra cheesy (and who doesn’t?). Your One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is ready to wow!
How to Serve One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, top each bowlful with a small handful of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. If you like a little kick, a few red pepper flakes are also fantastic scattered over the top. These finishing touches add even more aroma and color to the already irresistible One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta.
Side Dishes
This comforting pasta is a meal in itself, but it’s always fun to round it out with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce, or a crisp, green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also work beautifully alongside One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta, bringing some extra color and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or simply want to make dinner feel extra special, ladle the One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta into individual bowls and set out small toppings so everyone can customize their dish: think extra cheese, fresh basil, or even a spoonful of ricotta. For a rustic family-style approach, serve everything straight from your big, handsome Dutch oven at the table for a cozy, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, allow the One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches and no-fuss dinners throughout the week. The flavors get even cozier after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for a future super-busy night, this pasta freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Flatten bags for quicker thawing. It will stay fresh for up to two months. For best results, freeze without adding extra cheese on top, and add that garnish later after reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat larger amounts in a pot on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream as you reheat to loosen the sauce and keep everything nice and creamy. Give it a good stir, heat through until piping hot, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are classics for holding onto the sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking time and add extra liquid if needed so your pasta cooks evenly in the same pot.
Is it possible to make One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free. Since gluten-free pasta can absorb liquid differently, you may want to adjust the amount of broth and monitor the pasta closely as it cooks.
Can I substitute something else for the heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up or don’t have heavy cream on hand, half-and-half or even whole milk can work in a pinch. Just remember, using something lighter will result in a sauce that’s a little less luscious but still totally delicious.
What other veggies can I add?
This dish is super flexible! Try tossing in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or even zucchini. Add heartier veggies early with the onions and peppers, and quicker-cooking ones like spinach right at the end so they wilt nicely without overcooking.
Does One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta work with turkey or chicken sausage?
It sure does! Turkey or chicken smoked sausage are excellent leaner options and will still bring that punch of smoky flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste, and enjoy the lighter spin on this favorite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect blend of richness, comfort, and pure weeknight ease, you truly can’t go wrong with One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta. I hope you’ll make it part of your regular kitchen rotation and share it with everyone around your table—because few things make dinnertime cozier or more delicious!
Print
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting, hearty dish that combines smoky sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and tender pasta, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or fresh equivalent)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and fragrant.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pan, cooking until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add more broth or water if necessary.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Top with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to use different types of pasta like rigatoni or fusilli, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Vegetable additions like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to enhance the dish.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the sausage is gluten-free.
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