One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta

When you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, this One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta is your answer. Combining savory smoked sausage with tender pasta and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers comfort food at its finest.

Essential Preparation Tips

Selecting the Right Ingredients

While this recipe seems straightforward, choosing quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the outcome. Look for smoked sausage with good fat content, as leaner varieties can taste dry after cooking. Similarly, select pasta shells or another short pasta shape that holds sauce well in its curves and crevices. Fresh shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded options, which contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Therefore, spending a few extra minutes shredding cheese from a block pays off with superior creaminess.

Organizing Your Workspace

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and measure everything out. This mise en place approach ensures you won’t scramble to find something while your pan is heating. Slice the sausage into uniform rounds so they cook evenly, and have your spices within easy reach. Additionally, keep a wooden spoon and your cheese ready beside the stove since timing matters once the pasta begins cooking. Consequently, this small organizational step prevents kitchen stress and helps you execute the recipe smoothly from start to finish.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Building Flavor Through Browning

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sliced smoked sausage. Let the pieces sit undisturbed for about two minutes until they develop golden-brown edges. This caramelization process creates depth and complexity that simply heating through wouldn’t achieve. After that, stir and brown the other side briefly. The rendered fat from the sausage will coat the pan, providing a flavorful base for everything else. Resist the temptation to constantly stir, as proper browning requires contact with the hot surface.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

Once your sausage looks beautifully browned, add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices directly to the pan. Sprinkle in your seasonings and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, typically taking about 12 to 15 minutes. Watch the liquid level carefully; if it reduces too quickly before the pasta softens, add a splash more broth or water. Conversely, if liquid remains when the pasta is tender, simply simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Incorporating Dairy Elements

When your pasta reaches al dente texture, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This addition transforms your one-pan meal into something luxuriously creamy without requiring a separate sauce preparation. The cream combines with the starchy pasta water and tomato juices to create a cohesive base that coats every element. Subsequently, the warmth of the mixture will help melt the cheese you’re about to add. Keep the heat gentle at this stage because high temperatures can cause the dairy to separate or become grainy rather than silky smooth.

Melting Cheese Like a Pro

Remove the pan from direct heat before adding your shredded cheddar cheese gradually. Sprinkle it in handfuls while stirring constantly to encourage even melting throughout the dish. This technique prevents clumping and ensures the cheese incorporates smoothly into the sauce rather than forming stringy lumps. Allow residual heat to work its magic; patience here yields the best results. After all the cheese has melted and combined, taste and adjust your seasonings. Perhaps you’ll want more pepper or a pinch of salt to brighten the flavors before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Complementary Side Dishes

While this One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta stands alone as a complete meal, certain sides enhance the dining experience. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, providing textural contrast and freshness. Similarly, garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in your bowl. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add nutritional balance while keeping dinner simple. Choose sides that don’t require much hands-on time, since the appeal of this recipe lies partly in its simplicity and minimal cleanup requirements.

Presentation and Garnishing

Even casual weeknight dinners benefit from thoughtful presentation. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the heavier elements. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds extra savory notes and visual appeal. For family-style serving, transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl rather than serving directly from the cooking pan. This small touch makes the meal feel more intentional and special, even though you’ve spent minimal time in the kitchen creating it.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper Storage Techniques

Leftover cheesy pasta stores remarkably well, making this recipe ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, where it will keep refrigerated for up to four days. The pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, becoming thicker than when freshly made. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect the quality or safety of the leftovers. Furthermore, proper storage prevents the cheese from developing off-flavors and keeps the sausage at optimal quality for several days.

Best Reheating Methods

When reheating your leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to restore moisture and creaminess. The stovetop method works best: place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, add a few tablespoons of liquid, and stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through and adding liquid as needed. The microwave may not produce quite the same texture as stovetop reheating, but it’s certainly convenient for quick lunches. Either way, heat gently to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming oily under high temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While medium shells work wonderfully because they capture the cheese sauce, you can substitute penne, rotini, farfalle, or any short pasta shape you prefer.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Several modifications can lighten this dish without sacrificing too much flavor. Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork, substitute whole wheat pasta for regular, and replace heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

Sauce consistency issues are easily fixed. If your finished dish seems too thick or dry, simply stir in additional chicken broth, milk, or cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze this pasta dish for later?

While you can freeze this One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta, cream-based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing and reheating, affecting texture.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese provides classic flavor, but numerous alternatives create delicious variations. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers mild creaminess, while Colby combines well with sharper cheeses for complexity.

Conclusion

This One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner: bold flavors, satisfying comfort, and minimal cleanup. By combining simple ingredients in a single skillet, you create a meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, even though it comes together in less than 30 minutes. The smoky sausage, tender pasta, and creamy cheese sauce work together harmoniously, creating a dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.

One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta

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• Author: Angie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Quick and creamy one-pan pasta loaded with smoky sausage and melted cheddar cheese, ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides, stirring occasionally.
2. 2. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. 4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Mix well to combine with the pasta and sausage.
5. 5. Remove from heat and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
6. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. You can substitute turkey sausage or add vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g