There’s something magical about meals that come together in one pot. Not only do they simplify cleanup, but they also allow flavors to meld together in the most comforting way possible. If you’re on the hunt for an easy, indulgent, flavor-packed dinner that pleases both kids and adults alike, this One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate solution.
In this recipe, we blend the smoky richness of sausage with tender pasta, a creamy tomato-infused sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese—all without boiling a separate pot of pasta. It’s hearty, affordable, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this one-pot wonder checks all the boxes. Let’s dig into everything you need to know to make this cozy, cheesy, smoky dish a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
-
One pot = fewer dishes!
-
Cooks in under 30 minutes.
-
Uses pantry-friendly, budget ingredients.
-
Comfort food flavor with minimal effort.
-
Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients Breakdown (with US Cup Measurements)
Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so crave-worthy:
Essential Ingredients
-
3 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and flavor
-
2 pounds smoked sausage (about 4 cups, sliced) – choose beef, pork, turkey, or chicken sausage
-
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
-
3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
-
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – forms the liquid base of the sauce
-
1 (12-ounce) can diced tomatoes (about 1½ cups with juice)
-
½ cup heavy cream – adds richness and makes the sauce velvety
-
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – or to taste
-
8 ounces dry whole-wheat bowtie (farfalle) pasta (about 2 cups)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – 1 cup mixed in and 1 cup for topping
Optional Garnishes
-
Chopped parsley or green onions
-
Red pepper flakes (for spice lovers)
-
A sprinkle of grated parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the process step-by-step so you can get this on the table with confidence:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onion
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft and slightly caramelized. This forms the flavor base of your dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the sausage is nicely browned and the onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add in the uncooked pasta, pressing it down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. The pasta will absorb the flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the pot gets too dry before the pasta is cooked, you can add a splash more broth.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. This makes the sauce extra creamy and cheesy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Dish into bowls and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over each serving. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, savory goodness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 6 servings, here’s an approximate breakdown:
-
Calories: 600 kcal
-
Protein: 24g
-
Carbohydrates: 42g
-
Fat: 38g
-
Saturated Fat: 15g
-
Cholesterol: 100mg
-
Sodium: 980mg
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the brand and type of sausage or cheese used.
Tips for Success
-
Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it cooks directly in the sauce, keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.
-
Use quality sausage: This recipe relies heavily on the flavor of the smoked sausage, so choose one you love.
-
Try other pasta shapes: Penne, rotini, or medium shells also work well.
-
Add vegetables: Toss in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of simmering.
-
Make it spicy: Use spicy sausage or add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Protein Swaps
-
Turkey or Chicken Sausage – A lighter alternative
-
Andouille Sausage – Adds bold Cajun flavor
-
Vegan Sausage or Beans – For a vegetarian version
Cheese Options
-
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
-
Add a sprinkle of parmesan for a salty finish.
Dairy-Free Option
-
Use a dairy-free cream substitute (like coconut cream) and vegan cheese.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
-
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage and broth ingredients for gluten.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store:
-
Let pasta cool completely.
-
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat:
-
Reheat in a pot over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
-
Microwave single servings for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Freeze cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. You can:
-
Slice the sausage and chop onions in advance.
-
Measure out spices and cheese into prep bowls.
-
Make the full dish and portion into individual containers for quick grab-and-go meals.
It also travels well in a thermos, making it great for school or work lunches.
What to Serve With Smoked Sausage Pasta
Although this dish is a full meal on its own, here are some tasty sides that pair well:
-
Simple Green Salad with balsamic vinaigrette
-
Garlic Bread or cheesy breadsticks
-
Steamed Broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts
-
Pickled Veggies or cucumber salad for something refreshing
Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
The combination of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta makes this recipe a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the bold, savory flavor. Even picky eaters will clean their plates.
This dish is also great for casual entertaining—just double the recipe and serve it buffet-style with all the toppings laid out.
Final Thoughts: One Pot, Endless Comfort
When the clock is ticking and hungry mouths are waiting, this One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta delivers major satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that becomes a go-to in your weeknight arsenal—reliable, hearty, comforting, and ridiculously tasty.
So go ahead, grab a skillet, stir things up, and watch this one-pot wonder win hearts (and stomachs) again and again.