This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed dinner that will win over even the pickiest eaters at your table. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky sausage and vibrant broccoli, it’s a quick, one-pot wonder that brings pure comfort with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty meal without a lot of fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Magic: Everything cooks together in a single pot, which means less mess and more time for you to enjoy dinner (and dessert!).
- Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of American and cheddar cheese melts into a luxuriously silky sauce that coats every bite of pasta and broccoli.
- Bold, Cozy Flavors: Smoked sausage brings savory depth and a gentle smokiness, perfectly balanced by the freshness of broccoli.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Whether you’re feeding kids, teens, or grown-ups, this comforting dish makes everyone happy and satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of kitchen staples to make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient matters, bringing its own texture and touch of flavor. Here’s how everything comes together to build that irresistible comfort in every bite.
- Shaped Pasta (1 pound): Pick a pasta like penne, rotini, or shells—anything with nooks and crannies to capture all that cheesy sauce.
- Smoked Sausage (1 pound, sliced): The star ingredient! Smoked sausage adds loads of savory flavor and a hint of smokiness that makes the dish memorable.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups): This forms the base of the cooking liquid, infusing the pasta with subtle savory notes as it simmers.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 pint): Gives the sauce a rich, decadent texture. No skimping here—this transforms the dish into something truly indulgent.
- Milk (2 ½ cups): Helps balance the richness of the cream and ensures there’s enough liquid for the pasta to absorb as it cooks.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets (2 ½ cups): They add color, crunch, and a slight earthy freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.
- American Cheese (8 ounces, cubed): It melts like a dream, giving the sauce an ultra-smooth and velvety finish. Don’t swap this out!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy bite that keeps the creamy sauce from tasting flat and one-note.
Variations
The beauty of One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is how flexible it can be. Don’t be afraid to reach into your pantry or fridge and make it your own—this is a perfect “clear out the fridge” meal or a canvas for new flavor adventures!
- Swap the Sausage: Use spicy andouille, chicken sausage, or even turkey kielbasa for a lighter touch.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in peas, spinach, bell peppers, or even a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for extra bursts of flavor and color.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and low-fat milk for the whole milk. You’ll still get a creamy texture with a little less indulgence.
- Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on the cooking time since they tend to cook faster!
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab your largest pot (trust me, you want room to stir!), and add the pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and not sticking to itself—you want those flavors to have a chance to mingle from the very start.
Step 2: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the pot to medium heat and let it come up to a gentle simmer. The pasta absorbs those flavorful liquids as it cooks, so give it a good stir every 3-4 minutes to keep things from sticking. In about 10 minutes, the pasta should be tender and the sauce starting to thicken. It’s already smelling amazing!
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cheese
Now for the fun part: stir in the broccoli florets, cubed American cheese, and shredded cheddar. Keep stirring gently as the cheeses melt down and the broccoli turns just-tender and bright green (about 2-3 minutes). You’ll notice the sauce turning lusciously creamy and everything starting to come together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the steaming hot One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta into bowls and serve straight away. The creamy sauce, smoky sausage, and crisp broccoli make every bite a treat. Gather the family, dig in, and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
- Stir Frequently: Regularly stirring as the pasta simmers keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures even cooking in that glorious, creamy sauce.
- Broccoli Timing: Add the broccoli at the end to keep it crisp-tender and beautifully green—overcooking will make it mushy and dull.
- Cheese Matters: Use American cheese for unmatched creaminess, and shred your cheddar fresh for the best melt—it really does make a difference!
- Don’t Rush the Cream: Use gentle heat when finishing the sauce—high heat can separate the cheese and cream mixture, so give it a little patience for perfect results.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Garnishes
Take things up a notch by scattering a bit of extra shredded cheddar or parmesan over each bowl for a bubbling cheese finish. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness—tiny touches that make your One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta shine.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is so rich and filling, I like to pair it with something light and bright: a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread for sopping up every bit of sauce, or even a crisp apple slaw for a bit of crunch. The contrast makes your main event even more crave-worthy!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a showstopper by serving it in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight from the oven, or in individual mini-casserole dishes for a cozy touch. For weeknights, pile everything into a big family-style bowl at the center of the table with serving tongs—there’s something so inviting about everyone digging in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but that just means you get extra luscious results when you reheat!
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, though the cream sauce may separate a bit once thawed. For best results, let the dish cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and give it a good stir when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to help the cheesy goodness become creamy and smooth again. Top with a little extra shredded cheese for a melty finish!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! The beauty of One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is its flexibility. Swap in turkey sausage, andouille, or even vegetarian sausage depending on your preferences. Just choose something with a bold flavor so it stands up to the cheesy sauce.
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What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, and shells are favorites because their shapes grab onto plenty of creamy sauce with each bite. In a pinch, elbow macaroni or bowties work well, too—just avoid super-thin pastas like angel hair, which can overcook quickly.
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen broccoli, add it during the last 2 minutes of cooking so it warms through but doesn’t go mushy. No need to thaw it first—straight from frozen is fine.
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Does this dish work for meal prep?
Definitely! One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a reliable make-ahead meal. The flavors get even better as they sit, and you can portion leftovers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is it! I hope you give it a try, share it with loved ones, and maybe even make it a new household tradition. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky, broccoli-kissed bite—you’ll be coming back for seconds before you know it!
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal that combines smoked sausage, broccoli, pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound Shaped Pasta
Smoked Sausage:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Liquid:
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 1/2 cups Milk
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 2 1/2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 8 ounces American cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place pasta, sausage, broth, cream, and milk into a pot.
- Cook Pasta: Turn heat to medium. Simmer the pasta till tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Add broccoli and cheeses. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and broccoli is tender.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
