One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta – The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed meal with minimal cleanup? This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is your go-to recipe! It brings together smoky sausage, creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese — all cooked in one pot for a comforting, no-fuss dinner.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want something satisfying and simple, this dish hits all the marks. Plus, it’s customizable, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta

✅ Only one pot needed – minimal cleanup
✅ Fast – dinner is ready in under 30 minutes

✅ Versatile – use any sausage or pasta you have
✅ Rich & creamy – with just the right smoky kick

Pro Tip: Smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage adds deep, bold flavor. Slice it thin for more surface caramelization!

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz (340g) smoked sausage, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

8 oz (225g) uncooked penne or rotini pasta
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika (optional for extra smokiness)

1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté diced onion until translucent (2–3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add in the chicken broth, cream, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Cook

Stir in the uncooked pasta and return the sausage to the pot. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish

Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a side salad
Add a dash of hot sauce for heat

Top with crispy fried onions or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream

Freezer: Not ideal, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing

Notes & Variations

Use turkey sausage or vegan sausage for a lighter version
Swap pasta shapes (elbow, shells, rigatoni – all work great)

Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more veggies
Make it extra creamy with a splash of cream cheese or Boursin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes! Just slice and brown it to build flavor before continuing with the recipe.

Can I substitute the cream?

You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the result will be slightly less rich.

What if I don’t have diced tomatoes?

Crushed or tomato sauce can work — just reduce the liquid slightly to avoid a soupy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. It’s the perfect cozy dinner to whip up on a busy night — rich, creamy, smoky, and guaranteed to please the whole table. With just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and under 30 minutes of cook time, it’s a must-save recipe for your weekly rotation!

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