If you love comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with smoky, savory goodness, then this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is about to become your new favorite. It’s one of those easy weeknight meals that come together in a flash but taste like you put in serious effort. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the cheesy, creamy sauce, and trust me—you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta
One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup—everything cooks in a single pan!
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Cheesy & Creamy: The ultimate comfort food with a rich, velvety cheese sauce.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the sausage, or spice it up to make it your own.
Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients in Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish ultra-satisfying:
Smoked Sausage: The star of the dish! Its rich, smoky flavor infuses the entire pasta. Andouille, kielbasa, or any smoked sausage works beautifully.
Pasta: A sturdy shape like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds onto the cheesy sauce best.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth and flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Brings a subtle sweetness and tang that balances the richness.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the pan, making the sauce extra flavorful.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Parmesan adds melty, gooey goodness.
Paprika & Italian Seasoning: Adds warmth and a little kick to elevate the flavors.
Spinach or Bell Peppers (Optional): A great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage: Heat a large pan over medium heat and brown the smoked sausage until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add the Liquids & Pasta: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then add the pasta.
Simmer to Perfection: Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan, letting them melt into a creamy sauce.
Return the Sausage: Add the smoked sausage back to the pan and stir to combine.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese, and dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta
This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to round out your meal:
Garlic Bread: The perfect way to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Additional Tips
Use Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a fun twist.
Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.
Make it Spicier: Use spicy andouille sausage or add a dash of cayenne.
Store & Reheat: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Q3: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A3: You can, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better.
Q4: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A4: Yes! Sauté the sausage, then add everything except the cheese. Pressure cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the cheese at the end.
Q5: How can I make it gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat gently with extra liquid.
Q7: How do I keep the cheese from getting grainy?
A7: Stir the cheese in off the heat to prevent it from separating.
Q8: What veggies can I add?
A8: Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas work great in this dish.
Q9: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A9: Yes, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. Add a little cornstarch if needed.
Q10: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
A10: Stir occasionally while cooking, and don’t let the liquid dry out completely.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate easy comfort food that delivers bold, smoky, and creamy flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This quick and easy one-pan pasta features smoked sausage, creamy cheese, and a spicy tomato sauce for a comforting meal. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 2–3 fresh cloves)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes (with or without chiles, like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 8 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced scallions, for garnish
Instructions
-
Sauté sausage and onions:
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Cook pasta:
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), milk, pasta, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-
Add cheese and finish:
- Turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup of cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve.
(Optional: Broil for a couple of minutes for a golden, bubbly cheese topping.)
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for the best flavor, but any sausage variety works.
- Swap Cheddar-Jack for mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or your favorite cheese.
- Adjust spice level by using Rotel with chiles or adding red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg