One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Smoky sausage and tender pasta in a rich, creamy cheddar sauce — all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup and big comfort-food flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until nicely browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Cook the pasta
Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, milk, paprika, pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir well. Bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. - Make it creamy
Stir in the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. - Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies
- Swap cheddar for Colby-Jack or mozzarella
- Use spicy smoked sausage for more heat
- For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use extra milk
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.
