There’s something magical about tossing everything into one pot and ending up with a mouthwatering meal—especially when it’s this creamy, cheesy one-pot smoked sausage pasta. With smoky sausage, tender bow tie pasta, and a rich sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and melty cheddar, this dish is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. I first whipped it up on a hectic weekday using just pantry staples, and it was love at first bite. If you’re craving bold flavor with minimal cleanup, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
This one-pot smoked sausage pasta is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why:
- Big Flavor, Easy Prep: Smoked sausage and cheddar make a bold, cheesy combo with zero fuss.
- All in One Pot: No juggling multiple pans—just one pot, one cleanup.
- Kid-Approved: Bow tie pasta and creamy cheese make it a family favorite.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
History & Fun Facts About One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Let’s take a bite into this dish’s flavorful backstory:
- Smoked sausage has roots in German, Polish, and Southern U.S. cuisines, loved for its intense, smoky depth.
- One-pot pasta techniques gained traction during the 20th century, prioritizing ease and quick cleanup.
- Bow tie pasta (farfalle) originated in Northern Italy and is known for holding sauce beautifully in its creases.
- This dish is often seen in Southern kitchens, where smoked meats and rich sauces reign supreme.
Key Ingredients in One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Smoked Sausage: Delivers a smoky, meaty punch with every bite.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and sauté the onions to perfection.
- Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and classic flavor to the base.
- Chicken Broth: Cooks the pasta and infuses it with savory richness.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and balance to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta: Hearty and wholesome, it absorbs all the savory goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey finish that ties everything together.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Easy, Creamy, and Done in 30 Minutes
- Prep the Sausage
Slice smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces for easy, even cooking. - Sauté the Base
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and chopped onion. Cook until onions soften and sausage is browned. - Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn! - Simmer the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), heavy cream, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. - Cook the Pasta
Add the dry bow tie pasta, pressing it down so it’s fully submerged in liquid. Cover the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. - Cheesy Finish
Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. - Serve and Top
Dish up hot with extra cheddar on top if you like a cheesier bite.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Tips and Twists
Make it your own with these tips and ideas:
Tips for Success:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking.
- Stir the pasta often during cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—check for doneness at 15 minutes.
- Adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving—it thickens beautifully.
Tasty Twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or frozen peas.
- Different Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a new flavor.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips for One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the sausage and sauce ahead, then cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Balance out your one-pot smoked sausage pasta with these delicious additions:
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots for extra color and fiber.
- Simple Avocado Toast with Egg for a creamy, protein-packed side.
- Refreshing Peach Lemonade to lighten the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread Ritz Bits for crunch and extra cheesy flavor.
- A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to refresh the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes! Regular pasta cooks a bit faster, so reduce cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What sausage works best?
Smoked beef or pork sausage is ideal, but turkey sausage also works.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger pot and extend the simmer time as needed.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the texture of the pasta may soften. Reheat with extra cream or broth.
Enjoy Your One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
This one-pot smoked sausage pasta is everything you want in a dinner—bold, creamy, cheesy, and simple. Whether it’s a chilly night or a weeknight crunch, it’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your belly with satisfaction. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request from everyone at the table!
Explore More Recipes
Loved this one-pot wonder? You’ll enjoy these easy and satisfying meals too:
- Keep the one-pot magic going with our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs, packed with rich Italian flavor.
- Craving more sausage-based comfort? Our Sausage and Creamy Hashbrown Casserole delivers a breakfast-for-dinner vibe.
- Try our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for another easy skillet winner.
- Balance your meal with some roasted veggies like in this Roasted Broccoli and Carrots recipe.
- For a sweet ending, our Banana Bread Brownies are a soft, rich treat you’ll love.
Happy cooking!
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds smoked sausage sliced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces whole wheat bow tie pasta dry
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Slice smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and onion. Sauté until onion softens and sausage is browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add dry pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining cheese if desired.
Notes
Calories: 550
Protein: 24g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g