One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that magically combines smoky, cheesy indulgence with the goodness of broccoli (and dirties only one pan!), the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy rounds of smoked sausage, nestled in tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a dreamy cheese sauce — the kind that clings to every bite and makes you go back for seconds. The best part? Everything comes together in just 30 minutes, making this dish a true superhero for busy nights or lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose: from the way the smoked sausage powers up the base, to the broccoli that adds a burst of color and freshness, and of course, the beautiful, gooey cheese tying everything together. You’ll be amazed by how such straightforward pantry staples deliver layers of flavor in the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe.
- Smoked sausage (12 oz, sliced): Infuses every bite with a deep, savory smokiness and delivers satisfying protein.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures a perfect sear on the sausage, plus it adds richness to the base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends mellow, aromatic undertones that wake up the whole dish.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Acts as the main cooking liquid, infusing the pasta and broccoli with extra savory flavor.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Makes the final sauce extra creamy and smooth.
- Short pasta (12 oz, penne or rotini): The perfect shapes for soaking up the cheesy, smoky sauce.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Bring brightness, color, and a welcome veggie crunch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors in the pot.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the savory notes.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a hint of warmth and a pop of color (smoked or sweet, both work).
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Gives that signature gooey, cheesy pull everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup): Finishes the sauce with a salty, nutty bite.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally so every piece gets beautifully caramelized. This step is crucial, as browning unlocks extra flavor and creates those irresistible crispy edges that make the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe so special.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about one minute. It should smell incredibly fragrant at this point, but don’t let it brown — just enough to mellow out the raw bite. This quick step infuses the oil and sausage with a gentle garlicky warmth that promises depth in every spoonful.
Step 3: Add Liquids, Pasta, and Broccoli
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the dry pasta and broccoli florets directly into the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a thorough stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged as much as possible in the liquid. This is where the effortless magic of the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe really gets going — everything cooks together in harmony.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Crank the heat just until it comes to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce it to a steady simmer. Pop on a lid and let the mixture cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking at the bottom. When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you’ll know it’s time for the finishing touch.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Let It Rest
Take the pot off the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan while everything is hot. The cheeses will melt into a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every noodle and floret. Let the pasta rest uncovered for 2–3 minutes — this lets the sauce thicken just right, so every bite of the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is perfection.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and extra flavor, scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the top right before serving. A little extra Parmesan sprinkled over each bowl also works wonders — it adds that irresistible, salty finish everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This pasta is pretty much an all-in-one meal, but if you’re looking to round things out, you can’t go wrong with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. A warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic knots on the side is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe family-style in the same pot for a cozy, communal vibe, or spoon portions into individual shallow bowls for a restaurant-inspired presentation. For entertaining, mini serving ramekins turn this dish into a fun appetizer at gatherings, garnished to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your pasta cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making those next-day lunches something to look forward to.
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well despite having a cheesy sauce! Store cooled portions in freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat single portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often. Or, warm larger portions in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to its silky, creamy best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Kielbasa, chorizo, or even a smoky turkey sausage can all be delicious alternatives in this recipe. Feel free to experiment based on what fits your taste or what’s available in your fridge.
What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
Frozen broccoli florets work wonderfully here — just add them straight from the freezer without thawing. They’ll cook perfectly in the same amount of time as the pasta.
How spicy is this dish?
The basic recipe is mild, with just a hint of warmth from the paprika. If you love things spicy, simply add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Can I use a different cheese?
Certainly! Swap some or all of the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a variation in flavor and meltiness. Just make sure you’re using a good melting cheese for that signature creamy sauce.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free. The steps and flavors of the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe remain just as delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal, there’s just nothing quite like a homemade One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. With its comforting layers of smoky sausage, gooey cheese, and bright broccoli, I promise this is a recipe you’ll want on repeat. Grab your favorite pot and give it a try — you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 12 oz short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 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
- Prepare the Sausage: Brown the smoked sausage in olive oil.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and milk, then add pasta, broccoli, and seasonings.
- Simmer: Cover and cook until pasta is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve: Let sit briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cut broccoli for convenience.
- You can substitute smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
