Hearty, Cheesy, and Made in a Single Pot – Weeknight Perfection!
When it comes to quick, comforting meals, few things hit the spot quite like a one-pot pasta dish. This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is everything you love in a cozy dinner: juicy sausage, flavorful spices, tender pasta, and a rich cheesy sauce—all cooked in one pot for easy prep and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a weeknight win that never disappoints.
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can recreate this savory sensation in your own kitchen tonight.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot = Easy Cleanup: Everything—from sautéing the sausage to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese—happens in a single pot.
- Full of Flavor: Smoked sausage brings a deep, savory richness, while Rotel adds a punch of zesty flavor with a touch of heat.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The addition of heavy cream and a blend of melted cheese makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Versatile: Switch up the pasta, the cheese, or even the protein to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: It’s kid-approved, husband-approved, and perfect for second helpings.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples and a few fridge regulars. Here’s what to grab:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (beef or pork, sliced into rounds)
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 8 oz bow tie pasta (uncooked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
👉 Optional additions: a dash of red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish, or a handful of spinach tossed in at the end for extra greens.
🍳 Instructions – Step-by-Step
1. Sauté the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion, and cook until the sausage starts to brown and the onion turns translucent—about 5–6 minutes.
This step builds the flavor base, and browning the sausage is key to unlocking its smoky, savory notes.
2. Add Garlic for Depth
Once your sausage and onions are lightly golden, toss in your minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Garlic burns fast, so don’t walk away—it just needs to become fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids and Pasta
Now it’s time to add the heart of the dish:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 can Rotel (with the juice)
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer and Cook
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Check halfway through and stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll end up with a saucy consistency, perfect for coating every piece of pasta.
5. Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in your shredded cheese blend. It will melt into the hot pasta, creating a luscious, gooey finish that ties everything together.
👉 Pro Tip: If you like extra cheesy pasta, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more cheese on top before serving.
6. Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheese.
📝 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Pasta Options: Bow tie (farfalle) holds up beautifully, but you can also use penne, rotini, shells, or even elbow macaroni.
- Sausage Swap: Try spicy Andouille for a Cajun twist or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when sautéing the onion for added nutrition and color.
- Want it creamier? Add an extra splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the garlic for heat lovers.
🥄 Storage & Reheating
This pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
It also makes a great lunchbox meal—just pack it up and enjoy a cheesy, hearty bite at work or school.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve your One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta with:
- Garlic Bread or a crusty baguette
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans
- Sweet tea, lemonade, or your favorite crisp white wine (if you’re fancying it up!)
👨👩👧👦 Why Families Love This Dish
✅ Kids love the cheesy pasta and sausage
✅ Busy parents love the easy cleanup
✅ It’s budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing
✅ It reheats well and makes great leftovers
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or just need a comfort food fix, this recipe delivers in every bite.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is proof that big flavor doesn’t need complicated steps. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of smoky, savory sausage and punchy Rotel flavor, all tied together in a cheesy bow.
Once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation. Save it, share it, pin it, and make it again soon. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta 😋
This recipe uses pantry staples and a few fridge regulars. Here’s what to grab:
Ingredients
-
1 lb smoked sausage (beef or pork, sliced into rounds)
-
½ medium onion, finely chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
1 (10 oz) can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
-
8 oz bow tie pasta (uncooked)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
👉 Optional additions: a dash of red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish, or a handful of spinach tossed in at the end for extra greens.
Instructions
1. Sauté the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion, and cook until the sausage starts to brown and the onion turns translucent—about 5–6 minutes.
This step builds the flavor base, and browning the sausage is key to unlocking its smoky, savory notes.
2. Add Garlic for Depth
Once your sausage and onions are lightly golden, toss in your minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Garlic burns fast, so don’t walk away—it just needs to become fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids and Pasta
Now it’s time to add the heart of the dish:
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
1 can Rotel (with the juice)
-
8 oz bow tie pasta
Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer and Cook
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Check halfway through and stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll end up with a saucy consistency, perfect for coating every piece of pasta.
5. Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in your shredded cheese blend. It will melt into the hot pasta, creating a luscious, gooey finish that ties everything together.
👉 Pro Tip: If you like extra cheesy pasta, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more cheese on top before serving.
6. Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheese.
Notes
🥄 Storage & Reheating
This pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
It also makes a great lunchbox meal—just pack it up and enjoy a cheesy, hearty bite at work or school.