If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful medley of smoky sausage bites, tender broccoli florets, gooey American and cheddar cheeses, all simmered with pasta in one pot for a creamy, luscious texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The magic is in the simplicity and the balance of hearty ingredients with fresh greens, which makes dinner feel both indulgent and wholesome. You’ll love how each bite melts with cheesy goodness while offering that satisfying smoked sausage flavor.*
Ingredients You’ll Need
For such a rich and cozy dish, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to nailing every layer of flavor and texture. Each component brings something special — from the creamy cheeses to the smoky sausage and fresh broccoli that adds both color and crunch.
- 1 pound Shaped Pasta: Choose shapes like rotini or penne that hold sauce beautifully and provide a fun bite.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: This delivers the smoky, savory punch that’s the heart of the dish.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture without overpowering the creamy base.
- 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates that silky, luscious sauce that makes this pasta so indulgent.
- 2 ½ cups Milk: Balances the cream for richness without heaviness.
- 2 ½ cups Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds freshness, crisp-tender texture, and a vibrant green pop.
- 8 ounces American cheese, cubed: Melts smoothly for that classic creamy, cheesy backbone.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, tangy notes and a gorgeous golden color on top.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients
Start by placing your shaped pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and milk together in a large pot. This simple assembly is where the magic begins — the liquids will tenderly cook the pasta, while infusing it with richness and smoky flavor simultaneously. No need for separate boiling or extra steps here, which keeps your cleanup easy and the process fun.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Until Tender
Turn the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to make sure the sausage flavors infuse every nook and cranny. After about 10 minutes, your pasta should be perfectly cooked — tender but still with a slight bite that prevents mushiness. This timing is key for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Fresh Broccoli and Cheeses
Next, add your fresh broccoli florets along with the cubed American cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir everything together well and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes. The cheeses will melt into a luscious sauce, coating the pasta, sausage, and broccoli, while the broccoli softens just enough to remain crisp and bright. This step is where the dish truly transforms into comfort food heaven.
Step 4: Serve It Up Hot and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted and your broccoli is perfectly tender, your One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is ready to serve. Scoop generous portions onto warmed plates or bowls and get ready to dig into a bowl full of cheesy, smoky goodness that’s both satisfying and easy.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add flavor bursts, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a playful kick if you like a little heat. For an extra touch of zest, grated Parmesan cheese makes a lovely finish.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some garlic bread can round out the meal beautifully. The salad adds a refreshing crunch to contrast the creamy pasta, while garlic bread soaks up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in colorful bowls for a vibrant table setting, or try layering it in individual ramekins and broiling briefly to create a golden melted cheese topping for a casserole-like twist. For casual meals, serve it family-style straight from the pot to encourage communal sharing and a cozy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further after resting, making for an even tastier meal reheated the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, cool the pasta completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best eaten within 1 to 2 months for optimal freshness. Keep in mind that the texture of broccoli may soften slightly after freezing, but the dish will still taste delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage gives the dish its signature flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy chorizo to tailor it to your taste. Just adjust the seasoning if your sausage is particularly spicy or mild.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s not inherently gluten-free because of the pasta, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the broccoli. Just keep an eye on cooking times to make sure everything reaches the perfect tenderness.
What if I don’t have American cheese?
You can substitute with processed cheese slices or a mix of mozzarella and mild cheddar to mimic the meltiness and creaminess American cheese brings. The flavor might shift slightly but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding hearty mushrooms or smoked tofu can provide some of the savory depth the sausage normally contributes.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is genuinely one of my all-time favorite comfort meals to whip up, especially on busy nights when you want something satisfying without fuss. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with wholesome broccoli, proving that easy weeknight dinners can also be incredibly delicious. Share it with family or friends and watch this recipe quickly become a repeat favorite in your kitchen!
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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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta is simmered with smoky sausage, rich cream, and chicken broth, then combined with fresh broccoli and a blend of creamy American and sharp cheddar cheeses. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting dish requires minimal cleanup and delivers bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 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.
- Cook Pasta: Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the pasta until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Stir in the fresh broccoli florets, cubed American cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted completely and the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the pasta hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use shaped pasta like rotini or penne for best texture and sauce absorption.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Make sure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking or burning.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like spinach or green beans if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
