One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe

This fabulously cozy One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of—quick, hearty, and bursting with comforting flavor, all from minimal cleanup. With smoky sausage, tender rotini, pops of pepper, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for this One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet has a purpose—nothing fancy, but each one brings something crave-worthy to the table. Here’s the scoop on what makes this pasta so irresistible (and customizable):

• Butter: Adds rich depth and helps the sausage and veggies brown beautifully.
• Smoked Sausage: Gives the dish its signature savory, smoky flavor. Use your favorite—kielbasa, andouille, or even spicy chicken sausage.
• Onion: Sautéed onion adds beautiful sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• Green Pepper: A pop of color and gentle sweetness that pairs so well with sausage.
• Garlic: The essential aromatic—just a couple of cloves for unmistakable Italian flair.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• Chicken Stock: Delivers savoriness and helps the pasta cook perfectly in the skillet.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use the whole can (juices and all!) for a tangy, saucy base.
• Canned Green Chilis: They add subtle zing without bringing too much heat—so satisfying!
• Rotini Pasta: Holds onto all that creamy sauce and cheese with every bite (other shortcut pasta shapes work great, too).
• Heavy Cream: Lush creaminess for a silky sauce that envelops every spiral of pasta.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts into gooey lusciousness—feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy blend.

Variations

This One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet is endlessly adaptable. You can change things up based on what’s hanging out in your fridge, experiment with flavors, or tweak for any dietary needs without a hitch!

• Chicken or Turkey Sausage: Swap in lighter sausage options for a leaner meal but all the same smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Choose hot andouille or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love heat.
• Veggie Power: Add baby spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for a vegetable boost.
• Gluten-Free: Use your go-to gluten-free pasta—just monitor closely for cooking time.
• Dairy-Free: Try coconut cream and your favorite dairy-free cheese to achieve creamy comfort without the dairy.

How to Make One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Start by getting your biggest skillet hot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then toss in the sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, and green pepper. Let everything cook, undisturbed at first to get that perfect golden edge on the sausage, then stir and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the veggies are soft and the sausage is a little crisp on the edges.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. This quick step wakes up the whole skillet without burning the garlic (nobody wants bitter bits!).

Step 3: Simmer with Pasta and Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, undrained diced tomatoes, green chilis, and uncooked rotini. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, turn down the heat slightly, and let it cook uncovered for 15–18 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to make sure nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed (but don’t let it dry out—sauciness is key!).

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Keep stirring gently until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is glossy, creamy, and irresistibly thick. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. The One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet is now ready to be devoured!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you want to go the extra mile, scatter over a bit of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve straight from the skillet—family style—or scoop onto plates for an equally inviting dinner.

How to Serve One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

The finishing touch for your One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet can be as simple or as celebratory as you like! Try a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley (or basil for a summery twist), a scattering of shaved Parmesan, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little extra zip.

Side Dishes

This meal is a superstar all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlicky steamed broccoli. And of course, mopping up any extra sauce is basically required—grab a slice of warm crusty bread or simple garlic toast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet right from the pan for a comforting, family-style feel—or scoop it into colorful pasta bowls for an extra pop of fun. Hosting? Top each portion with a swirl of cream and a bright sprinkle of herbs for restaurant-worthy flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen, and the pasta stays nice and creamy—lucky you if you snag an extra bowl for lunch!

Freezing

This dish actually holds up pretty well in the freezer! Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that sauce creamy and luscious.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop your One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir well and enjoy as if it were fresh off the stove!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort and convenience, don’t wait—give this One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet a spot in your dinner rotation. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with every creamy, cheesy, sausage-studded bite. Let me know how you make it your own and enjoy every spoonful!

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