One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you’re after big, bold flavor with blissfully easy cleanup, this One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet is about to become your weeknight hero. Every spoonful is packed with smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, all cooked together in one pan—maximum comfort, minimal effort. You’ll be amazed just how cozy, colorful, and satisfying dinner can be!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple list of ingredients is a celebration of essentials—each one brings something special to the One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet. From smoky sausage to the swirl of cream and cheese, every item plays a delicious role in the final dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the sausage and veggies for a delicious, golden base.
• Smoked Sausage (sliced): The star of the show! Use your favorite variety—smoked, kielbasa, or andouille all shine.
• Diced Onion: Sweetens as it cooks, blending with the sausage for irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Green Pepper (diced): Provides crunchy color and a touch of freshness.
• Garlic (minced): Just two cloves is enough to bring a fragrant punch that ties everything together.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The classic duo that brightens every other flavor in the skillet.
• Chicken Stock: Infuses savory depth and is the secret to perfectly cooked pasta.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Adds tang, juiciness, and a vibrant pop of red to your sauce.
• Green Chilis (canned): For a hint of gentle heat and Southwestern flair—don’t worry, it won’t overpower!
• Rotini Pasta (uncooked): Its twists hold onto all that creamy sauce, but any shortcut pasta works wonderfully.
• Heavy Cream: Swirls in at the end to make the sauce ultra-lush and comforting.
• Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack recommended): Melts into the skillet, pulling everything together in gooey, glorious fashion.

Variations

One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet just naturally invites you to put your own spin on it! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or tweaking it for family preferences, this recipe is endlessly versatile and so easy to adapt.

• Switch Your Sausage: Try chicken sausage, spicy Italian, hot links, or even a vegetarian sausage—every option delivers a new mood.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra punch of color and nourishment.
• Choose Your Cheese: Use mozzarella for stretch, pepper jack for heat, or sharp cheddar for extra tang.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook as directed—super simple!

How to Make One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Place a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add in the smoked sausage slices, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté everything for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage browns a bit and the veggies soften—your kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Toss in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to let it brown—you just want that warm garlicky aroma to bloom).

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta and Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), the green chilis, and all of your uncooked rotini. Give everything a gentle stir, bring the mixture to a boil, and then let it bubble away uncovered for 15–18 minutes. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, with the flavors melding into a beautiful sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream along with the shredded cheese. Let it melt together until you’ve got a silky, creamy, cheesy coating on every piece of pasta—this is when the One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet magic really happens!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you like, scatter freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness. Now dig in, and savor your no-fuss, flavor-packed masterpiece!

How to Serve One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a few extra shreds of cheese right before serving. If you love a bit of extra heat, a dusting of crushed red pepper or a handful of sliced green onions will really make your One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet pop!

Side Dishes

While this is a true one-pan meal on its own, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad, a batch of garlic bread, or simple roasted vegetables. Anything fresh, crunchy, and colorful makes a perfect contrast to the creamy, saucy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the skillet family-style straight from the pan for a rustic, inviting touch, or ladle into colorful bowls and top with a swirl of extra cream. For a dinner party twist, nestle the pasta in a shallow platter and garnish with lots of fresh herbs for Instagram-worthy flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of your One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet can be cooled, then placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions of this skillet for up to 2 months! Just let the pasta cool to room temperature, scoop into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. Thaw overnight before gently reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken stock and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. This helps bring back that creamy, saucy consistency—just as dreamy as when you first made it!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this One Pot Sausage Pasta Skillet enough for those nights when you want layers of flavor with barely any cleanup. Gather your ingredients, grab your coziest pan, and let this crowd-pleaser earn a regular spot at your table. Enjoy every saucy, cheesy, joy-filled bite—you deserve it!

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