If you’re in the mood for a speedy, soul-warming meal that brings together rich smokiness, gooey cheese, and the vibrant crunch of broccoli, the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your new weeknight go-to. With only one pot to wash and a perfectly balanced combination of savory sausage, creamy cheddar, and tender noodles, this crowd-pleasing pasta delivers maximum comfort with minimum fuss. Whether you’re cooking for picky little ones or famished friends, you’ll love how easily it comes together and just how satisfying every cheesy, smoky bite is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe magical is that every ingredient brings something unique to the table, creating a dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Simple pantry staples and fresh flavors come together for this unforgettable One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe.
- Smoked sausage: Adds deep, savory richness and a hearty bite to every forkful. Go for beef, pork, or turkey—whatever you love!
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and infuses the whole dish with a subtle fruity flavor.
- Garlic: Delivers an aromatic punch that instantly makes the kitchen smell inviting.
- Broccoli florets: Add a fresh pop of green and a touch of crunch for balance; small florets cook fastest.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks, just the way you want in a one-pot meal.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the luscious cheese sauce.
- Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold onto all that cheesy goodness; use your favorite short pasta.
- Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a smoky undertone that ties in perfectly with the sausage.
- Black pepper: For just a little extra kick; adjust to your taste.
- Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors in the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the hot pasta for that ultra-creamy, dreamy finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a flash of bright color and herbal freshness right before serving.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your sliced smoked sausage. Let it sizzle and brown for about 4–5 minutes. The sausage will release its smoky aroma and develop gorgeous caramelized edges—this is where the flavor foundation begins!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
With your sausage beautifully browned, add the minced garlic. Sauté for just about 30 seconds—just until the garlic becomes fragrant and makes your whole kitchen smell delicious. Stop at this point to avoid burning it, as a little goes a long way!
Step 3: Build the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe Base
Next, pile in your broccoli florets, chicken broth, milk, uncooked pasta, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is submerged and the flavors begin to mingle. This is the beauty of the recipe: everything cooks together, infusing every ingredient with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking and that it cooks evenly. By the end, the pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, creating the perfect base for a creamy, no-fuss cheese sauce.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy and Creamy
Remove your pot from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a silky, decadent sauce that wraps every piece of sausage, pasta, and broccoli in cheesy goodness. For extra decadence, toss in a dollop of cream cheese here as a fun option!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the hot, bubbling pasta into bowls and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley if you like a burst of color and freshness. Now, dig in and watch every plate come back clean—this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe will disappear fast!
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor that cuts through the cheese beautifully. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even some extra shredded cheddar right before serving. This finishing touch makes the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Although this pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, it’s absolute perfection with crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad. The bread helps scoop up every last bit of cheese sauce, and a salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a bright, tangy contrast. If you’re serving a larger group, roasted veggies or a tray of baked tomatoes take it over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
To make dinner feel extra special, serve the pasta straight from the pot right at the table for a cozy, communal vibe. Try baking the finished dish with a layer of cheddar on top for a bubbly, golden crust. Or, portion individual servings in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a fun, restaurant-inspired touch—perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as crave-worthy as dinnertime. Just remember to let the pasta cool completely before sealing it up to prevent condensation.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your pasta, allow it to cool thoroughly, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. The pasta and sauce will hold well for up to two months. For best results, try to undercook the pasta ever-so-slightly so it doesn’t become overly soft when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a pot or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess, then gently warm over low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This brings the sauce back to its dreamy, velvety consistency without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely! Any fully cooked smoked sausage works wonders—beef, pork, turkey, or even a spicy andouille for more heat. Just slice it up and brown as directed for the best flavor foundation.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the smoked sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese and broccoli still shine, so you won’t miss any flavor.
Can I substitute a different cheese?
Of course! While cheddar melts beautifully and brings zingy flavor, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda all bring their own winning personalities to the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Mix and match to your heart’s content.
What if I only have frozen broccoli?
No worries—simply add the frozen florets to the pot about 5 minutes before the pasta is done. They’ll thaw and cook to tender perfection without any extra effort.
How do I make the sauce even creamier?
If you love an ultra-decadent sauce, stir in a couple tablespoons of cream cheese after you add the cheddar. It melts right in and gives the pasta a silky richness that makes it taste extra special.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cheesy, smoky, one-pot pasta bubbling away on the stove to bring everyone to the kitchen. The One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is truly the easiest way to serve up a comforting, satisfying dinner—no mess, no stress. If you’re craving that golden trifecta of big flavor, big comfort, and big smiles at the table, go ahead and try this recipe tonight—you won’t be disappointed!
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One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With the perfect balance of savory smoked sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, this dish is a comforting and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds;
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon;
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced;
Broccoli:
2 cups small florets;
Chicken Broth:
2 cups;
Milk:
1 cup;
Pasta:
8 oz penne or rotini;
Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon;
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon;
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon;
Cheddar Cheese:
1 1/2 cups shredded;
Parsley:
chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add sausage, cook until browned.
- Sauté Garlic: Add garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in broccoli, broth, milk, pasta, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli—add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese.
- Works well with any short pasta shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
