Description

Creating a comforting and flavorful meal doesn’t have to involve a multitude of pots and pans or hours in the kitchen. The One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. This dish combines the smoky flavors of sausage with the creamy richness of cheese and heavy cream, all brought together with pasta in a single pot for ease and convenience. Here’s how to make this deliciously hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb of Smoked Sausage: Sliced into bite-sized pieces.
1/2 Onion: Finely minced.
3 Cloves of Garlic: Minced, for a fragrant base.
2 Cups of Chicken Broth: Adds depth and cooks the pasta.
1/2 Cup of Heavy Cream: For creaminess.
1 Can of Rotel: Tomatoes and green chilies for a bit of heat and tang.
8 oz of Bow Tie Pasta: Or any pasta of your choice.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
1 Cup of Shredded Blend Cheese: For gooey, melty deliciousness.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Mince the onion and garlic finely to ensure they distribute their flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Cook the Sausage and Onions: In a large pot, heat a bit of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and minced onions. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. This not only cooks the sausage but also builds a flavor foundation with the onions.
Add Garlic: Introduce the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t turn bitter.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the can of Rotel (including the liquid for added flavor). Stir in the uncooked bow tie pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer: Let the dish simmer with the lid on for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
Add Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, incorporating it into the sauce and coating the pasta and sausage evenly.
Serve: Your One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is now ready to be served. Dish it out while it’s hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Results:

Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella works well, but adding some smoked gouda can enhance the smoky flavor of the sausage.
Pasta Alternatives: While bow tie pasta adds a fun shape and texture to the dish, other pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni can also be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.
Adjusting Thickness: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

This One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, all brought together in the most convenient way possible. It’s proof that delicious, satisfying dinners don’t require complex recipes or extensive cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, offering the warmth and comfort that only pasta can provide.