If you are craving a comforting meal that blends smoky, cheesy, and vibrant flavors all in one pot, then this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the kind of dish that hits every note—creamy, satisfying, and packed with hearty smoked sausage and tender broccoli, all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious cheese sauce. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, with minimal cleanup, which means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying every bite with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, quality ingredients are the heart of this dish. Each component plays its part, whether it’s adding richness, a smoky punch, freshness, or that irresistible cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start cooking:
- 12 oz smoked sausage: Sliced rounds bring a smoky, savory depth and satisfyingly firm texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to brown the sausage and create a flavorful base for the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle kick that brightens all the flavors.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses flavor throughout.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy, luscious sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or rotini): Perfect shapes to hold the sauce and balance the dish’s textures.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color, a fresh crunch, and healthful greens to the meal.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends smokiness and a subtle earthiness in perfect harmony with the sausage.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a rich, gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the dish beautifully.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Adding the sliced smoked sausage to the hot oil, let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial because it draws out those deep smoky flavors and sets the stage for the creamy sauce to shine later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for just a minute more. Be careful not to let it burn—just enough to release its sweet, pungent aroma and infuse the oil with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk gently, then add the uncooked pasta and broccoli florets. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir it well so all ingredients get evenly distributed and coated. Bringing this mixture to a boil ensures your pasta will cook properly while soaking up those savory broth flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and make sure the pasta cooks evenly. You’ll notice the liquid magically reduces and becomes creamy as the pasta finishes cooking to tender perfection.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the pasta and broccoli have softened and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes velvety and fully coats the pasta and sausage. Let it rest for a couple of minutes—this final step gives the cheese time to settle into creamy bliss.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add a subtle zing that complements the cheesy richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta holds its own, but if you want to serve it with something extra, try a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or warm garlic bread that crisps under its own buttered edges. Both add texture contrast and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the pot to keep things cozy and simple. If you’re entertaining, portion it into deep bowls and add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or even crispy bacon bits on top to amp up the texture and wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making leftovers just as satisfying as freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. To maintain the best texture, freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat the pasta slowly over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk while warming helps restore that creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rotini work best because they hold onto the sauce nicely. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites as long as they cook well in a stovetop method.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep the same hearty vibe without the meat.
How spicy is this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, allowing the smoky sausage flavor to shine. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for a gentle kick.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Definitely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option that works perfectly well here. Just add it directly to the pot with the liquids and pasta, and it will cook through during the simmering step.
What’s the best cheese to use for the creamy sauce?
Cheddar is the star for that melty, cheesy texture, while Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. Using a blend of both, as suggested, gives this dish depth and a rich finish that’s tough to beat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines ease, flavor, and comfort all in one pot, and this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe hits every mark. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s a delicious way to bring everyone together around the table. Give it a go—you’ll love how effortlessly you can turn simple ingredients into something wonderfully satisfying.
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines savory smoked sausage with tender broccoli and creamy cheeses all cooked together in one pot for an easy, satisfying weeknight meal. The pasta soaks up the rich broth and milk to create a luscious sauce, while smoky sausage rounds add depth and a touch of spice from paprika. Perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic to preserve its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Add the pasta, broccoli florets, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the pasta, ensuring it is perfectly cooked.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy, creating a rich, cheesy sauce coating the pasta and broccoli.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld together for a perfect finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pre-cut broccoli for convenience to save time during prep.
- You can substitute smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa for the smoked sausage to change up the flavor profile.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 2.
