One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Your Ultimate Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Klement’s Sausage Company. All opinions are 100% mine.
Tired of elaborate weeknight meals and a sink full of dishes? Discover the joy of One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta – a surprisingly simple, incredibly delicious, and utterly satisfying recipe that brings dinner to the table in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
In today’s fast-paced world, weeknight dinners often feel like a race against the clock. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and all the demands of daily life, finding time to prepare a wholesome, homemade meal can be a significant challenge. That’s precisely why one-pan meals have become a cornerstone in our family’s dinner rotation. They offer a fantastic solution to the weeknight dilemma, allowing us to still gather around the table for quality family time without the stress of complicated cooking or an overwhelming pile of dishes.
This One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta recipe epitomizes everything we love about efficient cooking. Imagine a complete meal – savory sausage, tender pasta, rich tomatoes, and creamy, melted cheese – all cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It’s not just about the convenience; it’s about maximizing flavor while minimizing effort. The best part? From start to finish, this dish comes together in approximately 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest evenings.
For many of us, the idea of a cheesy, comforting pasta dish evokes fond childhood memories of boxed meals like Hamburger Helper. This Cheesy Sausage Pasta, much like our popular Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet, offers a delightful homemade alternative. It delivers all the nostalgic comfort and hearty flavors you crave, but with fresh, simple ingredients you can feel good about. The secret to its incredible flavor and satisfying texture lies in the quality of its components, especially the star of the show: premium smoked sausage from Klement’s.
Why Choose One-Pan Meals for Your Family?
One-pan recipes aren’t just a trend; they’re a lifestyle hack for busy households. Here’s why incorporating them into your weekly menu can make a significant difference:
- Unmatched Convenience: Everything cooks in one vessel, from sautéing the aromatics and sausage to simmering the pasta in a flavorful broth. This eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans, saving you precious time and effort.
- Effortless Cleanup: The biggest advantage for many home cooks! With only one pan to wash, cleaning up after dinner becomes a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your family or relaxing.
- Time-Saving: This particular recipe lives up to its promise of a 20-minute total cooking time. No pre-boiling pasta or elaborate prep. It’s truly a “dump and stir” kind of meal once the initial sauté is done.
- Full of Flavor: Cooking everything together allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The pasta absorbs the savory broth, tomato, and sausage juices, resulting in a deeper, more cohesive taste profile than if components were cooked separately.
- Perfect for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, one-pan recipes are incredibly forgiving and straightforward. The step-by-step process is easy to follow, ensuring a successful meal every time.
Key Ingredients for Your Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing your aromatics and sausage. A good quality olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Klement’s Smoked Sausage: The heart of this dish! We love using Klement’s Smoked Sausage for its authentic, rich, and slightly smoky flavor that truly elevates the pasta. Their Polish sausage or turkey kielbasa varieties are also excellent choices, offering delicious versatility. Klement’s commitment to quality ingredients shines through, providing that robust taste perfect for a hearty pasta.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a crucial aromatic base, sweetening slightly as it cooks and building layers of flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that irresistible aroma and pungent kick that complements the sausage and tomatoes so well.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: While any canned tomatoes will work, fire-roasted tomatoes are a game-changer here. Their smoky, slightly charred flavor adds an incredible depth and complexity that you won’t get from regular diced tomatoes. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference.
- Uncooked Pasta: Any short-cut pasta is ideal for this one-pan method. Think penne, rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni. Short pasta cooks more evenly and is easier to manage in a skillet.
- Chicken Broth: This is the liquid gold that cooks the pasta and creates a flavorful sauce. Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the seasoning precisely.
- Milk: A touch of milk adds creaminess to the sauce, helping to bind everything together and create that luscious texture. Feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand, or even a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: The “cheesy” in cheesy sausage pasta! Shredded cheddar melts beautifully into the hot pasta, creating a gooey, comforting finish. Experiment with sharp or mild cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses if you like.
- Green Onions (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a vibrant color, a fresh bite, and a touch of oniony brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
If you’re a regular visitor to this site, you’ll know I have an undeniable soft spot for one-pot meals. They truly are culinary lifesavers for those relentless busy nights, and my family absolutely adores them. The beauty of these dishes lies in their adaptability; I can effortlessly switch up the flavors in countless ways, ensuring we never fall into a rut with our dinner choices. For this particular recipe, using Klement’s Smoked Polish Sausage imparts a wonderfully distinct, slightly smoky flavor that truly makes this cheesy pasta stand out. If you’re looking for another fantastic sausage pasta option, don’t miss our Sausage Pasta Skillet!
Choosing the Right Sausage for Your One-Pan Pasta
While the recipe specifically highlights Klement’s Smoked Sausage, the world of sausage is vast and offers many delicious possibilities for this dish. Klement’s offers a range of high-quality options, from traditional Polish sausage to leaner turkey kielbasa. The smoked varieties add an incredible depth that permeates the entire dish as it cooks. If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider Italian sausage (mild or spicy), chicken sausage, or even a flavorful plant-based sausage. The key is to choose a sausage you love, as its flavor will be central to the dish. Just ensure it’s fully cooked or pre-cooked, as indicated by the package, before adding it to the pasta mixture.
How to Master This Easy Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Making this one-pan wonder is incredibly simple. You won’t need to dirty an extra pot for boiling noodles, as everything comes together seamlessly in a single skillet. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the simple steps:
- Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage: Begin by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Then, add the sliced Klement’s sausage and finely chopped onions. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You want the onions to soften and become translucent, and the sausage to develop a beautiful brown crust, releasing its savory juices. This browning step is crucial for building deep flavor. Just before moving to the next step, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it!
- Combine & Simmer: Once your sausage and onions are perfectly browned and the garlic is aromatic, it’s time to bring the dish to life. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, uncooked short-cut pasta, chicken broth, and milk into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid and evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid.
- Cook the Pasta: Let the pasta simmer, covered, for approximately 10-12 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and cook to al dente perfection. It’s a good idea to stir the pasta a couple of times during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. The goal is for the pasta to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed, leaving you with a creamy, saucy base.
- Finish with Cheese & Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into the hot pasta, creating a wonderfully gooey and cheesy sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve immediately.
Tips for One-Pan Pasta Success
To ensure your One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta turns out perfect every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Use a Large Skillet: A large, deep skillet (at least 10-12 inches) or a Dutch oven is essential to accommodate all the ingredients and allow the pasta to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Don’t Skimp on Browning: Taking the time to properly brown the sausage and soften the onions adds immense depth of flavor to the finished dish.
- Cover Tightly: Keeping the lid on during the simmering phase helps trap steam, which is crucial for cooking the pasta thoroughly and consistently.
- Stir Occasionally: A quick stir every few minutes prevents the pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan, ensuring every noodle is perfectly cooked and coated in sauce.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Different types of pasta and varying simmer strengths can affect liquid absorption. If your pasta seems too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more broth or milk. If it’s too saucy at the end, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two.
- Taste and Season: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
What To Serve With Your Cheesy Sausage Pasta
This hearty Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a meal in itself, but a simple side dish can complete the experience. Here are some fantastic pairings:
- Simple Tossed Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Roasted or air-fried Brussel sprouts offer a wonderful caramelized flavor and tender-crisp texture.
- Corn Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet corn muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Quick and elegant, sautéed asparagus adds a touch of green vegetable goodness and a delicate flavor.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pasta companion, crusty garlic bread is always a hit for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice offer a simple, healthy accompaniment.
When you’re meticulously planning your dinner menu for the upcoming week, make sure to prominently add this incredible one-pan cheesy sausage pasta to your list. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to create meaningful moments. In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, taking the time to eat as a family over a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-prepare meal is a priority worth making. As you adjust to new schedules this fall or any season, remember that delicious 20-minute dinners like this ensure you can fit in precious family time without any added stress or fuss. It’s truly a win-win!
Discover More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other quick and delightful dinner ideas. We specialize in recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights:
- Instant Pot Chicken Adobo: A rich and savory Filipino classic made effortlessly in your pressure cooker.
- One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo: Creamy, dreamy Alfredo with chicken and spinach, all in one pan.
- Chicken Caesar Wrap: A fresh, light, and portable meal perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
- Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps: A healthy and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that’s fun to eat.
- Mexican Rice Skillet: All the flavors of your favorite Mexican meal, conveniently made in one skillet.
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast every time with minimal oil.
One Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Video
Equipment
- Pot and Pan Set
- GIR Spatula
- Liquid Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz Smoked Sausage, cut into coins
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz fire roasted tomatoes
- 8 oz short cut pasta, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil, swirling to coat.1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Add sausage and onions to the pan, cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should be soft and the sausage starting to brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.14 oz Smoked Sausage, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Mix in tomatoes, pasta, chicken stock and milk. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked.15 oz fire roasted tomatoes, 8 oz short cut pasta, 1 1/2 cup chicken stock, 1/2 cup milk
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Garnish with green onions to serve.green onions
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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