Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Pasta
A quick and easy one-pan meal combining smoky sausage, tangy tomatoes, and melty Cheddar-Jack cheese with pasta, ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage (Polish, kielbasa, or andouille), sliced or diced Use fully cooked smoked sausage for speed.
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium broth) Vegetable broth works for a milder base.
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%) Swap with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) Use shapes with nooks to capture sauce.
- ½ tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese Grate your own for better melt.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For heat.
- ⅓ cup chopped scallions (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sliced sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes until the onion softens and sausage takes on light browning.
- Stir in 1 Tbsp minced garlic, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, the entire 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (with juices), ½ cup milk, and 8 oz dry pasta. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with ⅓ cup chopped scallions and serve right away.
Notes
For a lighter dish, skip the milk or use lower-fat options. For a heartier meal, toss in a handful of baby spinach near the end. If the pasta finishes and the sauce is too loose, simmer uncovered a couple more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen.