When life gets busy, nothing beats a comforting meal that comes together in just one pot. This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence—savory smoked sausage, tender bow tie pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce that hugs every bite. And let’s not forget the melted cheddar cheese that takes it over the top.
I love recipes like this because they check all the boxes: minimal dishes, easy prep, and maximum flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, filling dinner that feels like comfort food but is still simple enough for a weeknight. Even better, this recipe is family-approved and makes excellent leftovers for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the same pot—less mess, easy cleanup.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Hearty & Comforting: Smoked sausage, creamy sauce, and cheddar make it satisfying and flavorful.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, smoky taste.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (12 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz dry whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage and Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened.
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Mix the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add Pasta
Stir in the bow tie pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Simmer
Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve
Serve hot, topped with extra cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it creamy. The microwave also works for single servings.
Tips for Success
- Use a high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add an extra splash of broth or cream.
- For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy smoked sausage.
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Different Pasta: Swap bow ties for penne, rotini, or shells—just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier version.
- Lightened Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter dish.
FAQ About Smoked Sausage Pasta
1. Can I use a different sausage?
Yes! Kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
3. Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or use spicy sausage to turn up the heat.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or even whole milk can work, but the sauce will be less rich.
5. How do I keep pasta from overcooking?
Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes. Test for doneness and remove from heat as soon as it’s tender.
Wrapping It Up
This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal for busy nights. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy.
The combination of smoky sausage, tender pasta, and gooey cheese is classic comfort food—but made easy with the one-pot method. Keep this recipe handy because it’s one you’ll want on repeat!
The Goods
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
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Recipes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs smoked sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 12 oz can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz dry whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage and Onions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened.
Add Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Mix the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add Pasta
- Stir in the bow tie pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Simmer
- Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cheese
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
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