When you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and a breeze to prepare, this One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta delivers in spades. Every forkful bursts with hearty slices of smoky sausage, softened peppers and onions, and tender penne noodles coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The flavors meld together as they simmer, creating a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without spending hours at the stove. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, promising warm conversation and plenty of seconds.
Whether you’re a weeknight warrior juggling a busy schedule or a home cook looking to simplify, this recipe has you covered. With only one pot to dirty, cleanup is practically nonexistent—leaving you more time to relax after dinner. Even kitchen beginners will shine here, since the steps are straightforward and the ingredients are pantry-friendly. In under 45 minutes total (including prep and a quick rest), you’ll have a crowd-pleasing plate ready to serve. At around 600 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Grab your favorite skillet, and let’s get cooking!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE POT SMOKED SAUSAGE PASTA
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a special role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the base of aromatic veggies to the creamy finish, these components work in harmony to create a balanced, delicious meal.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that prevents sticking and helps the sausage develop a beautiful golden crust.
- Smoked sausage: Brings robust, smoky notes and meaty texture that infuse the entire dish.
- Onion: Offers a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic: Delivers a punch of flavor and fragrant aroma that complements the sausage.
- Bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a crisp, slightly sweet bite to offset the richness.
- Diced tomatoes with liquid: Creates a tangy, flavorful base and helps form the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory umami and the liquid needed to cook the pasta in one pot.
- Heavy cream: Rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes with a silky, luxurious texture.
- Penne pasta: Holds sauce in its ridges and tubes, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
- Paprika: Enhances the smokiness of the sausage and adds a mild, earthy warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts into the pasta for a gooey, comforting finish.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkles a hint of herbal brightness and vibrant color at the end.
HOW TO MAKE ONE POT SMOKED SAUSAGE PASTA
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, it’s time to transform them into a mouthwatering one-pot meal. Follow these steps to achieve tender pasta enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce—all while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
2. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. This step builds rich flavor through caramelization.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. The softened onion sweetens and forms the aromatic base.
4. Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their fragrance.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, and heavy cream, then bring the mixture together by stirring.
6. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
7. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously to distribute spices and prevent pasta from sticking.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
9. Stir in the shredded cheese until the sauce becomes melted and creamy, coating every noodle.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to brighten flavors and add visual appeal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE POT SMOKED SAUSAGE PASTA
Once that creamy, smoky goodness is ready to plate, consider these serving ideas to elevate both presentation and taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it intimate, the right accompaniments turn a simple dinner into a memorable feast.
- Serve with warm garlic bread: Slather slices of crusty bread with garlic butter, toast until golden, and use them to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- Pair with a light green salad: Toss baby greens, cucumber slices, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess and add a refreshing contrast.
- Top with crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a small pinch for a subtle kick, or offer a ramekin on the side for those who crave extra heat.
- Offer shaved Parmesan and extra parsley: Let guests customize their portions with a shower of nutty cheese and herbaceous garnish for added flavor complexity.
HOW TO STORE ONE POT SMOKED SAUSAGE PASTA
This recipe was designed for simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy leftovers. Proper storage will help maintain both flavor and texture, so you can savor every bite even after the first night. The creamy sauce and hearty sausage come together beautifully again with just a few easy steps to preserve freshness.
- Refrigeration in an airtight container: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days to keep the sauce creamy and the sausage flavorful.
- Freezing in meal-sized portions: For longer storage, divide into freeze-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Press out excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Gentle reheating on the stovetop: To revive creaminess, add a splash of broth or milk to the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through and silky again.
- Microwave reheating with moisture retention: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir and add a teaspoon of water or broth if it seems dry.
CONCLUSION
This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta has everything you need for a weeknight dinner that feels extraordinary: smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle. The streamlined process—from browning the sausage to melting in that final shower of cheese—shows how a few simple steps can yield maximum taste. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe’s simplicity and flavor are guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation. Don’t forget to have your skillet at the ready, along with a generous handful of parsley for garnish!
Feel free to print this article or save it for later reference so you can whip up this crowd-pleaser whenever the mood strikes. Below, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to address common questions and troubleshooting tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment with your feedback, questions, or any personal twists you added. Your thoughts help the community learn and grow, and I’m always here to troubleshoot or share extra tips for making this creamy, smoky pasta your own. Enjoy every delicious bite!
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Description
Experience the rich flavors of smoked sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta all cooked in one pot for a hassle-free meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
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Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
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Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid.
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Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- You can substitute smoked sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish can be made dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of cream and omitting the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated as a delicious next-day meal.
