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
Scale
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.
