One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe
This One Pan Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky turkey sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all cooked in one skillet, this recipe combines savory and creamy flavors with the convenience of minimal cleanup. Garnished with fresh scallions, it’s both delicious and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2-3 fresh cloves)
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with or without chiles (like Rotel), undrained
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 8 ounces dry pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced scallions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a 5-quart sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sliced smoked turkey sausage. Cook them until the onions are translucent and the sausage is lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids, Pasta, and Seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream, 8 ounces of dry pasta, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pasta to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt Cheese and Garnish: Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese into the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Cover again and let it sit for about five minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly. Optionally, you can place the pan under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese before serving.
- Serve: Finally, garnish with 1/3 cup sliced scallions and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked turkey sausage with smoked pork sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Broiling the final dish is optional but adds a nice golden crust on the cheese.
- Use pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle that hold sauce well.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
