The beauty of this one-pot smoked sausage pasta lies not only in the rich flavors but also in how effortlessly it all comes together. As the sausage crisps up in the pan, releasing that smoky, savory aroma, the whole kitchen fills with the promise of a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. The pasta soaks up all those flavors as it cooks in the same pot, making each bite even more satisfying than the last. There’s something so comforting about knowing that everything you need for a delicious dinner is right there in front of you—no endless pots and pans to clean up afterward!
What really makes this dish sing is the depth of the smoked sausage. It has a way of transforming a simple pasta dish into something that feels special, without requiring hours of preparation. The smokiness pairs so beautifully with the creamy sauce that clings to the noodles, offering a perfect balance of savory richness. As it all simmers together, you get this incredible blend of textures—from the tender pasta to the slight crispiness of the sausage. And don’t even get me started on those tiny bursts of garlic and onion in every bite! They add that extra layer of flavor that pulls everything together.
I love how versatile this dish can be too. If you’re in the mood for something a little spicier, just toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes, or throw in a handful of fresh spinach for some greenery. Every time you make it, you can tweak it to your taste, but it’ll always be that comforting, smoky pasta you crave. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner with loved ones, this dish never fails to satisfy.
Key Ingredients in One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
The beauty of this dish lies in how each ingredient adds a unique layer of flavor, creating a balanced, comforting meal. From the savory smoked sausage to the creamy finish, every component plays an essential role in making this pasta irresistible.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the sausage and vegetables, olive oil brings a light richness that helps start building those delicious base flavors.
- Smoked sausage: The star of the show! Its rich, smoky flavor infuses the entire dish, giving the pasta a deep, savory profile that’s simply mouthwatering.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds a slight sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the sausage and helping to create a well-rounded flavor base.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings that unmistakable savory kick that enhances all the other flavors. It’s an essential ingredient that pulls the whole dish together.
- Bell pepper: Chopped bell pepper contributes a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, creating a nice contrast to the smokiness of the sausage.
- Chicken broth: This adds moisture to the pasta as it cooks, infusing each bite with a savory depth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes: The juicy, tangy tomatoes bring a touch of acidity that balances out the richness of the sausage and cream, while their texture adds a lovely contrast.
- Penne pasta: The pasta is the heart of the dish, soaking up all those delicious flavors as it cooks. Penne is the perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and small bits of sausage.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, this seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile with a fragrant, earthy note that screams comfort.
- Smoked paprika: This adds an extra layer of smokiness, deepening the overall flavor and giving the dish a subtle, smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Black pepper: A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper provides a touch of heat and a peppery bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy elements of the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, a pinch of salt enhances every ingredient, making sure nothing gets lost in the mix.
- Heavy cream: This adds that velvety smoothness and rich creaminess that coats the pasta and makes each bite feel indulgent and comforting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A must for finishing off the dish! It melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a salty, umami flavor that makes the pasta extra creamy and flavorful.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish, brightening up the rich, savory flavors and giving it a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil to the pot and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Add the penne pasta, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot.
- Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
- Check the pasta for doneness, and if needed, add a little more broth or water and cook for a few extra minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together until well combined.
- Allow the dish to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
- Serve the pasta hot, making sure to spoon the sausage and sauce evenly onto each plate.
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
1. A Side of Crispy Garlic Bread: This pasta is begging for something to soak up that creamy, smoky sauce, and garlic bread is the perfect match. The crispy, buttery exterior with a hint of garlic and parsley is a comforting side that will have everyone at the table coming back for more. You could even sprinkle a little Parmesan on top before baking for an extra touch of flavor!
2. A Simple Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the pasta with a light, fresh salad. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity of the salad will cut through the creamy pasta, offering a perfect contrast that keeps each bite exciting.
3. Pair with a Crisp White Wine: If you’re looking to make the meal a bit more special, why not serve it with a glass of white wine? A chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the smoky sausage and creamy sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall experience. It’s a simple way to elevate your meal without much effort.
Let me know which one you try, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
How to Store One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a total win), storing this pasta is a breeze. The best way to keep it fresh is by letting it cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it’ll still taste just as comforting when reheated.
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, or heat it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy consistency. It might even taste better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together!
If you’re planning on storing it for a longer period, you can freeze the pasta. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it as you would the fresh version. Freezing it keeps the dish good for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy that smoky goodness even on a busy weeknight when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for a one-pot smoked sausage pasta that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite! The smoky, savory sausage paired with creamy pasta and all those wonderful aromatics? It’s like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as the centerpiece of a cozy weekend dinner, this dish checks all the boxes: simple, comforting, and packed with flavor.
I truly hope you give this recipe a try, and when you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Any tweaks or additions you make—whether it’s extra spice, greens, or even a dash more garlic—I’m all ears. Cooking is all about making it your own, after all. Feel free to share any thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments—I’m always here to help you out in the kitchen! Happy cooking, friends!
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Description
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a hearty, smoky, and savory dish where juicy sausage, tender pasta, and creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony. It's a one-pot wonder, packed with flavor and the kind of comfort that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the olive oil to the pot and swirl to coat the bottom.
-
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
-
Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
-
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper.
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
-
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
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Add the penne pasta, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot.
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Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
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Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
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Check the pasta for doneness, and if needed, add a little more broth or water and cook for a few extra minutes.
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Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together until well combined.
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Allow the dish to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through and the sauce has thickened.
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Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
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Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
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Serve the pasta hot, making sure to spoon the sausage and sauce evenly onto each plate.
Note
- Be sure to cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned to enhance its flavor.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to swap penne pasta with any other short pasta like rotini or rigatoni.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
