If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings everyone to the table with excitement, look no further than One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta. This crowd-pleaser delivers smoky, savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the kind of recipe that feels a bit indulgent but is incredibly easy to pull off, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy a meal you’ll want to make over and over again!

One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, either adding a punch of flavor, a pop of color, or the perfect element of texture to make this dish shine.

Smoked sausage: The star of the show, it brings deep, smoky flavor and a satisfying bite—try andouille, kielbasa, or your favorite style.
Penne pasta: This sturdy, tubular pasta holds up perfectly in a one-pot dish and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle to start things off, helping to brown the sausage and build the base flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
Garlic cloves: Essential for their sharp, aromatic punch—don’t be shy!
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory goodness as it cooks and forms the backbone of the sauce.
Canned diced tomatoes: Bright, tangy, and the perfect foil for the richness of the sausage.
Heavy cream: For an irresistibly silky and rich finish to the sauce.
Paprika: Adds smoky undertones and a touch of warmth—smoked paprika is especially lovely here.
Italian seasoning: A blend that ties everything together with a fragrant herbal note.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to bring all the flavors alive.
Fresh parsley: A pop of green that makes the whole dish feel fresh and inviting at the table.
Parmesan cheese: That final salty, nutty flourish to finish off each serving in style.

How to Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and let it sizzle until the edges are caramelized and golden. Don’t skip this step—browning the sausage builds a foundational layer of flavor that makes every bite of One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta irresistible.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Push the sausage to one side and tumble in the diced onion. Sauté until it’s soft and just beginning to turn translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it infuses its flavor quickly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These aromatics come together to create a vibrant foundation for the pasta to cook in.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the dry penne right into the pot and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and keep the pot uncovered so the sauce can thicken and the pasta absorbs every bit of flavor. It’s magic watching everything come together in one pot!

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (this should take about 12-14 minutes), lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Watch the sauce turn rich and silky! Scatter in freshly grated Parmesan and most of the parsley, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—your One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is now ready to serve!

How to Serve One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a bowl of One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta quite like a flurry of extra-Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a bit of heat, add a crack of black pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to really impress, a drizzle of quality olive oil can make each serving look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

A sturdy hunk of garlic bread or a basket of warm, buttered rolls are classic partners for sopping up every drop of that creamy sauce. For a lighter option, toss together a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—its brightness balances the richness of the pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of serving family-style from the pot, try portioning your One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta into individual gratin dishes or small cast-iron pans. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and broil for a minute for a golden top! For parties, serve in small cups as a hearty appetizer or even fold into a pasta bake with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well and the flavors deepen overnight, making for fabulous next-day lunches. Make sure to let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing to help preserve the creamy texture.

Freezing

This pasta freezes surprisingly well! Scoop cooled One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. For best results, let portions thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, as this helps maintain the sauce’s luscious consistency.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream, broth, or water to bring the sauce back to life. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep everything creamy and delicious. Top with fresh Parmesan and parsley for that just-made touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage brings loads of flavor, you can swap in turkey sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer. Just aim for a sausage with plenty of flavor since it’s the backbone of this pasta.

What if I don’t have penne pasta?

No worries! You can substitute another sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed so the pasta turns out perfectly al dente in your One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use your favorite plant-based cream and skip or swap the Parmesan for a vegan alternative. The result will still be creamy and flavorful, and you won’t miss out on the classic comfort of the original dish.

Is this dish spicy?

One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta has a gentle warmth from the smoked paprika and sausage, but it isn’t inherently spicy. If you love some heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or swap in a spicier sausage variety for an even bigger kick.

Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully—just make sure you use a large enough pot to allow everything to simmer evenly. It’s the ideal dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prepping for busy weeks ahead.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a table to share a pot of comforting, flavor-packed pasta. I hope you give this One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta a try soon—it’s easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough to share with friends. Enjoy every savory, creamy bite!

One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe