This One-Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—all cooked together in a single pot. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of smoked sausage, garlic, and a blend of cheeses creates a rich and satisfying sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Plus, it's easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
1/2 cup milk
8 ounces dry pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
1/3 cup sliced scallions for garnish
Sauté Sausage and Onions: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and diced onion, cooking until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion is softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), milk, and add the dry pasta. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar-jack cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with sliced scallions before serving.
Calories: Approximately 526 kcal
Protein: 27 g
Fat: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Sodium: 1,350 mg
Cholesterol: 116 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g