Description
Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a hearty one-skillet meal made with tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 lb ground sausage (Italian, spicy, or mild)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream and cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
- Use smoked sausage or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in cream cheese or white wine for added richness.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
