Creamy, Smoky, and Slightly Spicy Comfort in One Pan
Serves 4–6
⏰ Total Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 25–30 minutes
- Total: ~40–45 minutes
📝 Ingredients
Protein & Main Flavor
- 14 oz smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, or beef), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
Pasta & Liquid
- 12 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or more milk if preferred)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Seasonings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
Cheesy Finish
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil
- Extra grated Parmesan
- A squeeze of lemon for brightness
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep Ingredients
- Slice sausage, dice onion and bell pepper, mince garlic.
- Shred cheeses and measure liquids to streamline cooking.
2. Sauté the Sausage
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet, sauté pan, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear sausage slices for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies & Aromatics
- In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Seasonings & Tomato Paste
- Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Mix in tomato paste to coat the veggies and deepen the flavor.
5. Add Pasta & Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Bring to a light boil, add uncooked pasta and return sausage to the pan.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover loosely, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pasta should be al dente and most liquid absorbed; add more broth or milk if needed.
6. Stir in Cheese
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gradually until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
7. Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with parsley or basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
🧀 Variations & Customizations
Add Veggies
- Toss in spinach, kale, or arugula at the end for color and nutrients.
- Stir in frozen peas or broccoli during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Swap the Protein
- Use grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or vegan sausage.
- Try shrimp for a smoky seafood twist (sear separately and add at the end).
Make It Whole Grain or Gluten-Free
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (adjust liquid and cook time slightly).
Amp Up the Spice
- Use andouille sausage, increase red pepper flakes, or add diced jalapeños with onions.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store
- Cool completely; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat
- Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Freezing
- Freezes up to 2 months (pasta texture may soften slightly).