Description
Hearty one pot cheesy smoked sausage pasta skillet delivers comfort straight from a rustic kitchen, blending smoky sausage with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. Satisfying flavors meld together, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz (397 g) smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 oz (226 g) dry pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 (10 oz/283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then brown sliced smoked sausage until caramelized edges develop, releasing rich flavor and creating a robust base for the dish.
- Aromatics Preparation: Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing briefly to build a fragrant foundation that infuses the entire skillet with depth and complexity.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth, milk, diced tomatoes with chilies, and seasonings into the skillet, combining with dry pasta to create a harmonious, creamy mixture that will simmer into a cohesive meal.
- Pasta Infusion: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and allow the pasta to absorb the liquid and cook thoroughly, creating a tender and flavorful one-pot wonder.
- Cheese Finale: Remove lid and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every ingredient.
- Serving Presentation: Allow the skillet to rest momentarily, letting the sauce thicken and develop a rich consistency, then garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving hot.
Notes
- Select reduced-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty, especially with pre-seasoned smoked sausage.
- Watch liquid ratio carefully during cooking; add extra broth if pasta absorbs liquid too quickly to prevent sticking or burning in the skillet.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or monterey jack for different flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
- Swap smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or chicken sausage for alternative protein options, ensuring dietary flexibility without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg