If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with bold flavors, then you absolutely have to try this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of smoky sausage, fresh or tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s everything you want on a busy weeknight when you want something quick yet satisfying, and best of all, it’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is key with this recipe, but don’t be fooled by the handful of ingredients—each one plays an essential role in building that irresistible taste, creamy texture, and vibrant color you’ll love.
- Smoked sausage (12 oz): Adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish and a wonderful meaty texture.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Provides a fresh, green pop of color and a nutritious crunch that balances the richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth and enhances every other flavor in this recipe.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The flavorful cooking liquid that helps infuse the pasta and sausage.
- Milk (1 cup): Creates the creamy base of the luscious cheese sauce.
- Pasta (8 oz, penne or rotini): The perfect vehicle to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Offers sharp, melty cheesiness that ties everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Essential for browning the smoked sausage beautifully without sticking.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp) and salt to taste: Seasonings that enhance all flavors perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little hint of heat to awaken the palate.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and let it cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is key because browning the sausage unlocks those deep smoky flavors that make this dish so special.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the sausage is perfectly browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just 30 seconds, enough to release its fragrant aroma without letting it burn. This quick step infuses the base of your dish with savory warmth.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Broth, and Milk
Next, pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk all at once. Raise the heat and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover your pot. Let the pasta cook for 10 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. This gentle simmer lets the pasta absorb the flavorful liquid gradually while starting to soften.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
After 10 minutes, stir in the broccoli florets. If you’re using frozen, you can add them straight from the freezer without thawing, which saves time and keeps the broccoli tender but crisp. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step ensures your veggies are just right—bright green and perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses and Season
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Watch the magic happen as the cheeses melt smoothly into a creamy sauce that coats every bite. Finish by seasoning with black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if you want to add a bit of a spicy kick. Mix well and get ready to serve!
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the dish even more, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. These vibrant garnishes not only add a touch of elegance but also a fresh, herbal note that lifts the entire flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or simple cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast. Crusty garlic bread also makes an excellent companion, perfect for mopping up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, serve this dish in warm, individual ramekins for a cozy, family-style vibe. You could even use hollowed-out mini bell peppers or serve atop a bed of wilted spinach for an extra layer of veggies and color that will wow your guests.
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 three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, cool the pasta completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to two months. Keep in mind, the texture of broccoli might soften a bit more upon thawing, but the cheesy goodness remains intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creamy sauce and stir often until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap smoked sausage with kielbasa, Andouille, or even a spicy Italian sausage to customize the heat and flavor profile to your liking.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly and saves prep time. Just add it straight from the freezer without thawing to keep the texture just right.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar and Parmesan create the ideal balance of sharpness and creaminess in this recipe, but you can experiment with mozzarella for extra meltiness or gouda for a smoky hint.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the smoked sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get plenty of rich flavor.
How spicy does the dish get with red pepper flakes?
Red pepper flakes give just a gentle warmth that enhances the dish without overpowering it. You can always add more or leave them out if you prefer no heat.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors right to your dinner table. I hope you give it a try and find as much comfort and joy in it as I do!
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
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious American main course perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring juicy smoked sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this pasta dish brings hearty flavors together in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pantry Staples and Seasoning
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until it is almost tender.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking uncovered for another 5 minutes. The broccoli should become tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed by this point.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve Hot: Serve the cheesy smoked sausage and broccoli pasta immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese at the end.
- If using frozen broccoli, add it directly from the freezer without thawing beforehand.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice heat contrast to the rich cheese and sausage.
