Description
This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty and comforting meal that combines smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Easy to prepare in about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package smoked sausage, thinly sliced (about 14 oz)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Brown the sausage: Add the thinly sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, to develop flavor and release some fat.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, softening the texture and building the base flavor.
- Add garlic and bell pepper: Mix in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, and heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce base.
- Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid to allow even cooking.
- Season the dish: Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy, enriching the sauce and enhancing flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.
Notes
- Use a large deep skillet or a pot to allow enough space for the pasta to cook evenly.
- Be sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but it may be less creamy.
- For extra veggies, consider adding mushrooms or spinach along with bell pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
