Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta (One-Pot Wonder!)

Creamy, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor – Ready in 30 Minutes!

This Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate one-pot meal—tender bowtie pasta, smoky sausage, and a creamy cheddar-tomato sauce all come together for a dish that’s easy, hearty, and family-approved! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

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📝 Ingredients Breakdown

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Holds sauce well (sub penne or rotini)
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing

For the Smoky Base:

• 14 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage), sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained for spice!)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for best flavor)

Seasoning & Garnish:

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for color)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)

1️⃣ Brown the Sausage & Aromatics

1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned (5 mins).
3. Add onion, cook until soft (3 mins), then stir in garlic (1 min).

📌 Pro Tip:

• Slice sausage diagonally for more surface area = more flavor!

2️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and Rotel tomatoes (with juice). Stir well.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 mins until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.

📌 Pro Tip:

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3️⃣ Make It Creamy

1. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
2. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

📌 Pro Tip:

• Turn off heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping.

4️⃣ Rest & Serve

• Let sit 5 mins to thicken.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

📌 Serving Suggestion:

• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different pasta?

✅ Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work great (adjust broth if needed).

2. How spicy is this?

• Mild: Use original Rotel.
• Spicy: Use hot Rotel or add ½ tsp cayenne.

3. Can I make it ahead?

✅ Yes! Store covered in fridge up to 3 days (add splash of milk when reheating).

4. Why is my sauce grainy?

• Cheese added too hot (remove from heat first).
• Pre-shredded cheese (contains anti-caking agents—shred your own!).

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

⚠️ Not recommended (cream sauces may separate).

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🔥 Flavor Variations

• Tex-Mex: Add 1 tsp taco seasoning + black beans.
• Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage + mozzarella cheese.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in spinach or bell peppers with the onions.

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⏱️ Time-Saving Tips

✔ Pre-slice sausage for faster prep.
✔ Use pre-shredded cheese in a pinch.

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🍽 Serving Occasions

• Weeknight dinner savior
• Potluck favorite
• Game day feed-a-crowd meal

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💬 Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta is comfort food at its finest—smoky, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, all in one pot! The Rotel tomatoes add a tangy kick, while the heavy cream and cheddar make it irresistibly rich.

Perfect for when you need dinner FAST but still want BIG flavor! 🚀🍴

Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇