Description
This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. The combination of savory smoked sausage, tender pasta, creamy sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It’s also easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a versatile recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces dry whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup for stirring in, 1 cup for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Slice smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Step 2: Add olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and place over medium heat. Step 3: Sauté the onions and sausage until the onions soften and the sausage browns, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Step 5: Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), heavy cream, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Step 6: Add the dry pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce and fully covered with liquid. Stir to prevent sticking. Step 7: Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Step 9: Serve immediately, topped with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup – everything cooks in one pot!
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights; ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite flavors and ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Add a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini, if desired.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté them with the onions and sausage in step 3.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- For a richer flavor, use smoked Gouda or Gruyere cheese in place of cheddar.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Conclusion
This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage? A: Absolutely! While smoked sausage provides a distinctive flavor, you can easily substitute it with Italian sausage (sweet or hot), kielbasa, or even chicken sausage. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the sausage is cooked through.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for added protein.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Q4: Can I use low-fat ingredients? A: Yes, you can substitute low-fat or fat-free cream cheese or half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content. Additionally, use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Be aware that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the dish.
Q5: What if my pasta is not cooked through after 20 minutes? A: Cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta and your stove. If the pasta is not tender after 20 minutes, add a little more chicken broth (about 1/4 cup) and continue to simmer, covered, until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
