One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta





Creamy, Cheesy, Smoky Comfort—All in One Pan

Craving something hearty and comforting that comes together with zero fuss? This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is the answer. Tender pasta, smoky kielbasa-style sausage, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce come together in just one pot—making dinner as easy as it is delicious. It’s the kind of meal the whole family loves, with bold flavor and no pile of dishes waiting after.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting one-pan magic:

One Pot Wonder
Everything—from sautéing to simmering to saucing—happens in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Smoky, Savory Goodness
The smoked sausage infuses the entire dish with deep, savory notes that play beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Perfect Pasta Texture
Cooking the pasta in the same pot means it soaks up all the flavor while releasing starch that thickens the sauce naturally.

Quick & Family Friendly
Ready in about 30 minutes, this is an easy win on weeknights—and the leftovers are even better the next day.

Easy to Customize
Toss in your favorite veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up—this recipe’s a great base for personal touches.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and one-pot ease.

Main Ingredients

  • 14 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds – Smoky, meaty base.

  • 1 tbsp olive oil – For browning the sausage.

  • 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – Classic aromatic that elevates the flavor.

  • 2 cups chicken broth – Forms the base of the cooking liquid.

  • 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, luxurious sauce.

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds a bright, tangy note.

  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta – Short pasta holds the sauce beautifully.

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky flavor profile.

  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Cheesy Finish

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For gooey, melty comfort.

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish.

  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

💡 Pro Tip: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own melts smoother into the sauce.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the full can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the pasta, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Return the browned sausage to the pot.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy, stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, smoky, cheesy bite.

🔄 Recipe Variations to Try

Make it your own with these delicious twists:

  • Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, kale, or frozen peas at the end.

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or swap the sausage for andouille.

  • Tex-Mex Twist: Use pepper jack cheese and add a dash of cumin and chili powder.

  • Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and turkey sausage.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This one-pot pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here’s how to round it out:

Sides

  • Garlic bread or crusty rolls

  • Side salad with vinaigrette

  • Roasted green beans or broccoli

Drinks

  • Sparkling water with lemon

  • Iced tea

  • Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio

📦 Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Chop sausage and veggies ahead of time and store in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance.

Storage

Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce.

Reheating

Microwave in 30–45 second bursts, stirring in between, or reheat in a covered pan over low heat with a bit of added liquid.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells work well. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta you use.

Is there a non-dairy option?
Substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Can I make this without tomatoes?
Absolutely—just omit the canned tomatoes and add a bit more broth and a spoon of tomato paste if you still want a hint of acidity.

Will this work with plant-based sausage?
Yes, just brown it gently and continue with the recipe as usual.

How can I make it less rich?
Use ¾ cup cream and ¼ cup milk, or substitute with half-and-half.

🍝 Final Thoughts

This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is pure weeknight gold—simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around, requested on repeat, and remembered for all the right reasons. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a cozy bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish delivers—without the pile of dishes.