Craving a comforting pasta dinner without the pile of dishes? This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously savory, cheesy meal that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This Quick Smoked Sausage Pasta combines smoky kielbasa with tender pasta and a creamy tomato sauce for a simple yet satisfying dinner the whole family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

• One pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup
• Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely have on hand
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different vegetables or protein options
• Kid-approved: The smoky, cheesy flavors appeal to picky eaters
• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base:

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon/10g)
• 2 cups (500ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 8 ounces (225g) dry pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties work best)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Heat your pot: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet with a lid, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Brown the sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides, stirring occasionally. Pro Tip: Allow the sausage to develop a good sear before stirring—this builds a flavorful foundation for your Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta.
3. Add aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add diced onions to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine liquids: Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this is flavor gold!). Add diced tomatoes with their juice, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
5. Add pasta: Stir in the dry pasta, ensuring it’s all submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pro Tip: Different pasta shapes require slightly different cooking times—check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
7. Check consistency: The pasta should be tender, and the sauce should have thickened. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more broth. If too wet, simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes to reduce.
8. Add cheese: Remove pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving your One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right pot: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Don’t rush the sausage browning: Those caramelized bits add tremendous flavor to your final dish.
• Watch your liquid ratio: Different brands of pasta absorb liquid differently. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed.
• Stir occasionally: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom while maintaining the one-pot convenience.
• Season at the end: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed—the cheese adds saltiness too!

Variations & Customization Ideas

Make it Extra Cheesy

For the ultimate Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta, stir in 2 ounces of cream cheese when adding the other cheeses, or sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.

Add Vegetables

• Quick-cooking veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers with the onions, or add baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Heartier veggies: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli florets during the simmer stage.

Protein Variations

• Substitute chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option
• Try chorizo for a spicier kick
• Use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version

Pasta Alternatives

This Quick Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe works with almost any short pasta shape:

• Farfalle (bow ties)
• Fusilli
• Rigatoni
• Shells
• Gluten-free pasta (reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes)

Serving Suggestions

This satisfying One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta pairs perfectly with:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine (for the adults!)

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Refresh: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese after reheating to revive the creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	425
Protein	18g
Fat	24g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same, though these leaner options may release less fat during browning.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but check it for doneness about 2 minutes earlier than conventional pasta, as gluten-free varieties often cook more quickly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best made fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead of time. If making completely ahead, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this pasta, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated within 3 days.

What’s the best pot to use?

A Dutch oven or deep skillet (at least 12 inches) with a fitted lid works best. The heavy bottom prevents burning, and the high sides contain splatter.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Monitor your cooking time carefully and taste-test the pasta before the suggested cooking time is complete. Remove from heat as soon as the pasta reaches al dente.

Conclusion

This Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together in one pot, creating a harmonious blend of smoky sausage, tender pasta, and rich tomato cream sauce. The melty cheese brings it all together for a meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike.