Description
This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining smoky sausage, tender penne pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked in a single pot. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknights, featuring sautéed smoked sausage and vegetables simmered with diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream, finished with melted cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package smoked sausage, thinly sliced (about 14 oz)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the smoked sausage: Add the thinly sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and fragrant.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build the flavor base.
- Add garlic and bell pepper: Mix in minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is completely submerged in the liquid mixture for even cooking.
- Season the dish: Add paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce coating the pasta and sausage.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Ensure the penne pasta is fully submerged while cooking for even texture and don’t overcook to avoid mushiness.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to use either cheddar or mozzarella cheese based on your preference for taste and meltiness.
- Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach can boost nutrition and texture variety.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
