Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of utter comfort: One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is about to become your go-to weeknight dinner. Imagine tender bow tie pasta, hearty smoked sausage, and tangy tomatoes, all swirled together in a creamy, cheesy sauce—best of all, it’s entirely cooked in a single pot, so cleanup is practically effortless. The bold flavors, easy steps, and minimal mess make this dish an absolute winner, whether you’re feeding a family or want delicious leftovers.

One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen to make life easier and your meal tastier. Together, they build a dish that’s rich in flavor, deeply satisfying, and cheerfully low-fuss.

Olive oil: Adds a base layer of savory flavor and helps everything get beautifully golden in the pot.
Smoked sausage: The star of the show, infusing the pasta with smoky, meaty notes and hearty texture in every bite.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion brings a mellow richness as it softens alongside the sausage.
Garlic: Just three cloves go a long way—adding big, fresh flavor to lift the sauce.
Chicken broth: This is the secret to an extra-silky, well-seasoned sauce that cooks the pasta to perfection.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): The juicy, tangy backdrop that balances creaminess and brings color to the finished dish.
Heavy cream: Only half a cup turns everything luxuriously creamy, without overwhelming the other flavors.
Pepper: A dash of pepper brightens the sauce and subtly enhances the sausage and cheddar.
Dry whole wheat bow tie pasta: Bow ties catch all the creamy sauce and sausage, while whole wheat adds a little heartiness—and fiber!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Stirred in and scattered on top, cheddar melts into gooey pockets and crowns the pasta with irresistible flavor.

How to Make One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Smoked Sausage

Begin by slicing your smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures every forkful includes smoky, meaty goodness, but it also helps the sausage brown evenly and blend perfectly with the pasta later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and sliced sausage. Sauté for several minutes, stirring now and then, until the onions soften and the sausage gets a deliciously browned edge. This is where the magic begins, with savory flavors building their foundation.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Sprinkle the minced garlic into the pot. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! The sizzle will instantly make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the undrained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and a generous pinch of pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly so the flavors start mingling and the sauce becomes an inviting, rosy color.

Step 5: Add and Cook the Pasta

Tip the dry bow tie pasta straight into the pot, making sure it’s nestled into the liquid so every piece gets a chance to cook evenly. Cover your pot and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb much of the sauce, becoming tender and infused with all that smoky, creamy goodness.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been soaked up, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for an extra-creamy, cheesy finish that pulls the whole dish together.

Step 7: Serve and Top

Spoon your One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta straight from the pot, and sprinkle with more shredded cheddar if you’d like extra cheesiness. Serve immediately while the cheese is oozy and the sauce is silky.

How to Serve One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

A little flourish can make this meal feel truly special. Try topping each bowl with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or even a dash of smoked paprika for added color and a gentle heat that highlights the sausage.

Side Dishes

For a comforting feast, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or offer steamed green beans for a simple veggie boost. Warm, crusty bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bit of your cheesy pasta sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta in large family-style bowls at the center of your table for a casual, cozy dinner. Or plate it individually with a flourish of herbs and a wedge of lemon for brightness. Little ramekins make a fun, party-ready option for gatherings or game night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, spoon the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. For best texture, reheat gently and stir in an extra splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce before serving.

Reheating

To bring refrigerated or thawed pasta back to life, reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Add a little liquid if the sauce seems too thick, and always sprinkle a bit more cheese on top to restore that irresistible creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille, kielbasa, or even chorizo all work beautifully. Each variety brings its own unique flavor twist to the One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta.

What if I only have regular pasta instead of whole wheat?

Go for it—regular bow ties, penne, or rotini will still soak up the sauce and taste fantastic. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might be a few minutes less.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can use a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free cheese. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but your One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or peas along with the pasta. It’s a great way to add color, nutrients, and extra flavor.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pot every few minutes while the pasta simmers. This helps prevent sticking and ensures each piece is coated and cooked evenly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta enough—it’s cozy, hearty, and unfailingly easy to pull off. Give it a try, make it your own with extra veggies or spices, and enjoy the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table (and maybe even fights over the leftovers!).