Best One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe in 2025

The prep takes 30 minutes alone. Well worth it though, this is one of our favorite dishes.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

This dish is a weeknight savior. It cooks in one pot, cutting down on dishes—a win for anyone who hates scrubbing pans. The smoked sausage delivers a rich, bold taste, while the creamy tomato sauce coats the pasta perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages and flexible enough to tweak with pantry staples. Best part? You’ll have this One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe ready in under 30 minutes, making comfort food quick and stress-free.

The Only Ingredients You Need

Here’s what goes into this simple smoked sausage pasta:

• Smoked Sausage (14 oz): Kielbasa or andouille for that smoky punch.
• Pasta (12 oz): Penne, rigatoni, or rotini—shapes that grab the sauce.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing and flavor-building.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A flavor essential.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Fire-roasted or regular for depth.
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Smooths out the base.
• Chicken Broth (2 cups): Cooks the pasta and keeps it savory.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup): Brings creamy richness.
• Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into cheesy perfection.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings for balance.
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): For a hint of heat.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): A fresh, bright finish.

Pantry-friendly ingredients make this One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe a breeze.

Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

You’ll need just a handful of basics:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: At least 5 quarts for all the ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Stir without scratching your cookware.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing sausage and dicing onion.
• Cutting Board: Keeps prep neat.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy with liquids and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts best.

Simple tools for a standout smoked sausage pasta dish.

3 Simple Steps to Make One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

This recipe comes together effortlessly in three steps:

1. Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3-4 minutes until browned. Toss in diced onion and cook 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute—your kitchen will smell amazing.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up tasty bits from the pot. Add pasta, ensuring it’s submerged (add a splash more broth if needed). Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
3. Finish with Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth—about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Top with parsley and serve hot.

Three steps to a delicious One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (chopping and measuring).
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (start to finish).
• Total Time: 30 minutes.

Perfect when you need a quick, hearty meal.

Serving Size

• Serves: 6 people.
• Portion: About 1.5 cups per serving.

Great for family dinners or meal prep with this smoked sausage pasta.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 34g (Saturated: 15g)
• Carbohydrates: 48g (Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 6g)
• Sodium: 1100mg

Hearty and satisfying—nutrition may vary slightly by ingredient.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these trip you up when making this dish:

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Simmer until just al dente—check at 10 minutes to avoid mushiness.
2. Skipping the Stir: Stir while simmering to keep pasta from sticking.
3. Using Too Little Liquid: Ensure pasta is covered for even cooking—add broth if necessary.
4. Rushing the Cheese: Add cream and cheese on low heat to prevent curdling.

Avoid these for a flawless One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe.

How to Store & Reheat

Leftovers are easy to manage:

• Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions (without extra cheese) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Microwave with a splash of broth or cream (1-2 minutes, stirring halfway). On stovetop, warm over low heat with a little liquid until hot.

This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe tastes great the next day too!

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Short pasta like fusilli or farfalle works well—avoid long noodles.

Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use turkey sausage to cut fat.

Can I make it spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or a dash of hot sauce.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water with a bouillon cube or veggie broth works fine.

Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Sure—stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onions.

Other Recipes You May Love

Steak and Queso Rice: Spicy and seafood-forward.

Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes : Creamy and easy like this pasta dish.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps: Quick and packed with flavor.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini: A cozy twist on one-pot pasta.