If you love comforting meals that come together effortlessly and deliver big flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. This dish combines smoky sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy, melted cheese all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta in one glorious pot. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with vibrant colors and an irresistible blend of textures that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe comes together with just a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, adding layers of flavor, creamy richness, or fresh crunch that make this dish sparkle from start to finish.
- 1 pound Shaped Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape like rotini or penne to trap all the cheesy goodness.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: Adds that irresistible smoky flavor and a meaty bite.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: Gives the pasta a savory base that’s much more flavorful than water.
- 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream: Brings incredible creaminess, making the sauce lush and silky.
- 2 ½ cups Milk: Lightens the cream just enough while keeping the sauce rich.
- 2 ½ cups Fresh Broccoli Florets: Offers a fresh, green pop of color and a nice healthy crunch.
- 8 ounces American cheese, cubed: Melts beautifully, creating that signature smooth, cheesy base.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the overall cheese flavor.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing your shaped pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and milk right into a large pot. This is where the magic begins, as all those flavors will start mingling while the pasta cooks and absorbs all the rich creaminess.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Turn the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. In about 10 minutes, your pasta will become tender, soaking up that smoky, creamy broth. This step is key to building the dish’s luscious texture.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, add the fresh broccoli florets along with the cubed American cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir everything carefully so the cheese melts into a smooth, cheesy sauce while the broccoli softens just enough to retain a little snap. This finishing touch brings bright color, fresh flavor, and all that irresistible cheesy gooeyness.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy
That’s it — simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious. Spoon this warm, cheesy masterpiece onto plates while it’s still bubbling hot. It’s the kind of go-to meal that quickly becomes a family favorite.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick if you like a bit of heat balancing out the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta dish pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads or some roasted garlic bread. The greens add freshness and the bread soaks up every last bit of the cheesy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up for guests, serve the pasta in individual ramekins or shallow bowls. Add a sprinkle of extra cheddar and pop them briefly under the broiler to get a bubbly, golden crust on top. It’s an easy way to transform this homey dish into something a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe freezes fairly well. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Note that broccoli texture may soften upon thawing but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Andouille, kielbasa, or any smoked sausage will work beautifully, each bringing its own unique flavor twist to this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the cream, milk, and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives. Use plant-based milk and cheese options that melt well, though the texture might be a little different.
Can I prepare this recipe without broccoli?
Definitely. You can replace broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus depending on your preferences or what’s in season.
What pasta shapes work best?
Shaped pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce better than long noodles.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the pasta or stir in a splash of hot sauce at the end for a spicy kick that complements the smoky sausage beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal bursting with flavor, you simply must try this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It’s effortless to make, packed with wholesome goodness, and will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. I’m certain you’ll love how the creamy cheese, smoky sausage, and fresh broccoli come together in every bite. Happy cooking!
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring cheesy smoked sausage and tender broccoli combined with pasta in a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, delivering rich flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound shaped pasta
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 2 ½ cups milk
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 ounces American cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and milk into a large pot, mixing them together to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Heat the pot over medium heat and let the ingredients simmer gently. Cook the pasta until it is tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, add the fresh broccoli florets along with the cubed American cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts fully and the broccoli becomes tender but still vibrant.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cheesy smoked sausage and broccoli pasta hot. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful one-pot meal immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use shaped pasta like rotini, penne, or shells as they hold the sauce well.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred for texture, but frozen broccoli can be used; add it a minute earlier to ensure tenderness.
- Feel free to swap smoked sausage for kielbasa or another smoked sausage variety.
- Stirring occasionally is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking or burning.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it before serving.
