One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together rich flavors and a delightful creaminess in one simple dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe combines smoked sausage, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy bowtie pasta to create a meal that everyone will love. The best part? It’s made in just one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Base
- For the Cheese
- Seasonings
- How to Make One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Step 2: Add the Sausage
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Step 5: Add Cheese
- How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- For a Casual Family Dinner
- For Entertaining Guests
- As Leftovers
- For Meal Prep
- How to Perfect One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Best Side Dishes for One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Reheating One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of sausage in One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta?
- How do I customize One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta?
- Is One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta gluten-free?
- How long does it take to cook One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one pan meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of smoked sausage, peppers, onions, and cheese creates a rich taste that will satisfy your cravings.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your family’s preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: Cook once and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for feeding a group, making it great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping your vegetables efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tbs Olive Oil
- 4 tbs Butter
- 1 each Red and Green Bell Pepper, Diced
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
- 1 Jalapeno, Diced (optional)
- 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 lb Andouille Sausage, sliced
- 14.5 oz Can of fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Half and Half (Milk will also work)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz Bow Tie Pasta
For the Cheese
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 8 oz Pepper Jack Cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 tbs Garlic Powder
- 1 tbs Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 tsp Slap Ya Mama or any Cajun Seasoning (optional)
- Salt to taste
How to Make One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat:
1. Melt the olive oil and butter together.
2. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion.
3. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Cajun seasoning (if using), and salt.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
After sautéing:
1. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
2. Place the sliced Andouille sausage on the other side.
3. Allow it to brown before adding minced garlic.
4. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the sausage is browned:
1. Stir in the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
2. Pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth.
3. Add bowtie pasta ensuring it’s submerged; add more broth if needed.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring everything to a gentle boil:
1. Cover with a lid to trap steam.
2. Reduce heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked.
Step 5: Add Cheese
When cooking is complete:
1. Gradually stir in grated cheddar and pepper jack cheese until fully melted.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta!
How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
Serving One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta is simple and versatile, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
For a Casual Family Dinner
- Serve in Bowls: Ladle the cheesy sausage pasta into deep bowls for a comforting presentation.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
For Entertaining Guests
- Use Large Platters: Transfer the dish to a large serving platter for guests to help themselves.
- Pair with Bread: Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
As Leftovers
- Store in Containers: Keep any leftover pasta in airtight containers for easy reheating.
- Reheat with Extra Broth: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep the dish moist.
For Meal Prep
- Divide into Portions: Portion out servings in meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze individual portions of the dish for an easy meal on busy days.
How to Perfect One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
To ensure your One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Bold Flavoring: Adjust seasonings according to your taste. Feel free to add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese blends; mozzarella can give a delightful stretchiness while still maintaining creaminess.
- Pasta Choice: Use whole wheat or gluten-free bowtie pasta if you prefer healthier or dietary-specific options.
- Vegetable Variations: Mix in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
Complementing your One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter makes an excellent accompaniment.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings warmth and color to your table.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw balances the richness of the pasta while adding a refreshing crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn, grilled or boiled, pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a sweet contrast that cleanses the palate after rich cheesy bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind.
- Skipping the sauté step: Skipping the initial sauté of vegetables can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
- Not checking pasta doneness: Allowing the pasta to overcook will result in mushy texture. Stir occasionally and check for al dente consistency.
- Adding all liquids at once: Adding too much liquid at the start can prevent proper cooking. Ensure that pasta is submerged but not swimming in liquid.
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese can affect the creaminess of your dish. Opt for freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Forgetting to season: Neglecting seasonings can leave your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly for a flavorful result.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to regain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage in One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta?
Yes! You can substitute with any smoked or spicy sausage according to your preference.
How do I customize One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of bowtie pasta.
How long does it take to cook One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta?
The total cook time is approximately 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Final Thoughts
One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or cheeses based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try—it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when feeding a crowd!
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📖 Recipe Card
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One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that delivers rich flavors and creamy goodness all in a single dish. This quick and easy recipe combines savory Andouille sausage, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy bowtie pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal cleanup required, you’ll enjoy maximum flavor without the fuss. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal on the table that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 tbs butter
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, grated
- Diced vegetables (bell peppers, onion, jalapeño)
- Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning)
Instructions
- In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced vegetables until softened.
- Push veggies aside and brown the sliced sausage before adding minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and add half-and-half with chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add bowtie pasta; ensure it’s submerged. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is cooked.
- Gradually stir in both cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
