Cooking smoked sausage pasta in a single vessel delivers a delightful balance of flavor and convenience, especially on hectic evenings. This one-pot recipe reduces cleanup without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for busy families and meal planners. You can also customize spice levels and ingredient combinations to suit any preference.

By opting for this quick method, you’ll enjoy robust tastes as ingredients simmer together, infusing every bite with richness. For details on the origins of sausages, see Smoked sausage. Explore pasta variations at the Penne pasta page, and check our Why Choose a One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta? section for benefits. Learn about hearty additions in our Key Ingredients You’ll Need and master cleanup hacks under Equipment & Prep Checklist.

Discover the science behind creamy sauces in the Heavy cream overview. Review stock fundamentals via Chicken broth. Gain inspiration from one-pot meal collections on Pinterest, and browse easy pasta dishes for ideas. For more inspiration, explore one-pot pasta ideas and different themes under quick weeknight dinners or smoked sausage recipes. Families can adapt menus from family dinner ideas. Then proceed to our Equipment & Prep Checklist followed by Key Ingredients You’ll Need breakdown. Stay tuned for our detailed, comprehensive, step-by-step guidance.

Why Choose a One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta?

Cooking in a single pot saves time and reduces cleanup, making this one-pot approach ideal for busy cooks. Additionally, combining ingredients in one vessel allows flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in a richer taste.

• Efficiency: Fewer dishes means less washing and more time enjoying dinner.

• Flavor Fusion: Simultaneous cooking encourages ingredients to share aromas and juices.

• Customizable: Easily adapt spice levels or swap proteins to suit dietary preferences.

• Nutrient Retention: Cooking everything together helps maintain vitamins and minerals.

Discover more about optimizing meal prep in our Key Ingredients You’ll Need section, and see how techniques like deglazing enhance flavor on the Heavy cream page. For inspiration on similar recipes, visit one-pot pasta ideas or explore quick variations under smoked sausage recipes. Learn meal planning strategies at the One-pot meal Wikipedia entry to further streamline cooking sessions. Also see our detailed Equipment & Prep Checklist for tools and techniques today.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial to crafting a satisfying one-pot smoked sausage pasta. Each component contributes to flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Choose a high-quality smoked sausage—beef, pork, or poultry varieties work well—to infuse your dish with rich, savory notes. The sturdy ridges of penne pasta help capture sauce, so grab your favorite shape from the Penne pasta pantry stash. For detailed prep tools, see our Equipment & Prep Checklist.

Brighten the meal with aromatic vegetables like onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic, which form the flavor base. Canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth provide body, while velvety heavy cream and shredded cheese add luscious richness. Reserve fresh herbs like parsley for garnish at the end.

• 450 g beef smoked sausage, sliced

• 225 g penne pasta (uncooked)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper (optional red)

• 410 g can diced tomatoes

• 720 ml chicken broth

• 240 ml heavy cream

• 100 g shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment & Prep Checklist

A well-stocked kitchen ensures smooth execution of the recipe and prevents delays. Use sturdy tools and prepare all items before heating the pot.

Before cooking, gather essential equipment in one place: a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, measuring cups, and a wooden spoon. Learn more about efficient meal planning at the One-pot meal overview, and review Key Ingredients You’ll Need to confirm supplies.

• Large one-pot pasta ideas perfectly inspire slicing sausage and fresh vegetables.

• Durable cutting board provides stability for chopping onions and peppers.

• Measuring cups, spoons, wooden spoon, and timer ensure consistent, precise, accurate cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Mastering the one-pot technique requires precise timing and method. Follow each step carefully to ensure the perfect smoked sausage pasta.

Before you begin searing, review your tools in the Equipment & Prep Checklist and gather a heavy-bottomed pot. For additional inspiration, browse one-pot pasta ideas to visualize plated results.

1. Searing the Sausage

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

• Add 450 g smoked sausage rounds in a single layer; avoid overcrowding.

• Cook for 4–5 minutes until edges caramelize, stirring occasionally.

• Remove sausage and set aside, leaving rendered fat for flavor.

2. Sweating the Vegetables

Consult the Key Ingredients You’ll Need for precise measurements. Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pot; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. For richer depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.

3. Building the Sauce

• Return the browned sausage to the pot.

• Pour in a 410 g can of diced tomatoes with juices.

• Add 720 ml chicken broth and stir to combine.

• Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

• Bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any stuck bits for flavor.

4. Cooking the Pasta In-Pot

• Stir in 225 g penne pasta, ensuring each piece is submerged.

• Reduce heat to medium-low; maintain a gentle simmer.

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, about every 2 minutes.

• Cook for 12–14 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Finishing with Cream & Cheese

• Remove from heat before adding 240 ml heavy cream and 100 g shredded cheddar cheese.

• Stir until sauce is smooth and creamy.

• Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt or pepper.

Variations & Add-Ins

Customize this smoked sausage pasta to suit your taste or pantry inventory. Simple swaps and additions breathe new life into the one-pot format.

• Protein Alternatives:

  • Swap beef sausage for turkey, chicken, or vegetarian sausage to lighten calories.

  • Spice it up with chorizo or andouille for a smoky, fiery twist.

• Vegetable Boosts:

  • Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes for extra nutrients.

  • Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more color and texture.

• Cheese Variations:

  • Replace cheddar with Parmesan or mozzarella for different melting profiles.

  • Sprinkle pepper jack for a spicy kick.

• Dietary Swaps:

  • Use gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta to accommodate sensitivities.

  • Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Explore even more ideas in our one-pot pasta ideas gallery and compare quick twists under smoked sausage recipes.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

Ensure each batch of one-pan pasta turns out flawlessly with these expert tips:

• Liquid Control:

  • If pasta looks too dry, add splashes of chicken broth or water mid-cook.

  • If it’s too soupy, simmer a few extra minutes uncovered.

• Stirring Strategy:

  • Stir gently every 2–3 minutes to prevent sticking without breaking pasta.

  • Use a heat-resistant silicone spatula to scrape the bottom.

• Flavor Balancing:

  • Brighten the sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes.

  • Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs.

• Make-Ahead & Freezing:

  • Prepare through Step 4, then cool and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat gently with extra cream or broth to restore creaminess.

Learn more meal-planning strategies at the One-pot meal entry.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

Pair this quick dinner recipe with complementary sides or prep for future meals:

• Serving Ideas:

  • Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan.

  • Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic-butter bread.

• Storage Guidelines:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge overnight.

  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

• 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes. Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or shells—just adjust cooking time so pasta remains al dente.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Maintain a gentle simmer and stir every few minutes. Ensure pasta stays submerged and use enough liquid.

Is it OK to skip the cream?
Absolutely. For a lighter sauce, omit heavy cream and finish with an extra handful of cheese for creaminess.

Can I double the recipe?
You can, but use a larger pot and increase cooking time slightly. Monitor liquid levels to ensure even cooking.

How long does leftover sausage pasta last?
Stored in the fridge, it keeps for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for longer storage, up to 3 months.

How to Make Quick and Easy Smoked Sausage Pasta in One Pot

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• Author: Elina

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Description

This quick and easy smoked sausage pasta recipe brings together savory slices of smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked penne in a creamy tomato sauce—all in one pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate weeknight meal that minimizes cleanup without skimping on flavor. Ideal for families, meal prep, or busy cooks seeking a satisfying, customizable dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 450 g beef smoked sausage, sliced into 1-cm rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 410 g can diced tomatoes
• 720 ml chicken broth
• 225 g penne pasta (uncooked)
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until they start to brown, about 4–5 minutes. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12–14 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and let stand for a couple of minutes before serving.

 

Notes

• For best results, use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven to prevent scorching.

• Adjust seasoning gradually; smoked sausage can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

• Leftovers often taste even better as flavors continue to meld—consider doubling batch size for easy lunches.

• Garnish just before serving to preserve the bright color of fresh herbs.