If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly without a ton of fuss, this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender pasta swimming in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce studded with smoky sausage and vibrant broccoli bites—everything cooked in a single pot to keep things simple and cleanup easier than ever. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights yet rich and satisfying enough to feel like a treat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to recipe you’re excited to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe are straightforward but incredibly important. Each plays a role in bringing balance to the bold, cheesy, and wholesome flavors while keeping the dish cozy and colorful.
- Shaped Pasta (1 pound): Use your favorite shapes like penne or rotini to hold onto all that creamy sauce.
- Smoked Sausage (1 pound, sliced): Adds a delicious smoky, savory punch that’s the star protein here.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups): Provides a flavorful and light cooking liquid that infuses the pasta.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 pint): Creates the rich, silky texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Milk (2 ½ cups): Lightens the sauce just a bit and prevents it from being too thick.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets (2 ½ cups): Adds a fresh, green crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
- American Cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Melts smoothly to give extra creaminess and mild cheesiness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Packs a sharp flavor punch and that perfect golden color.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large pot and toss in the shaped pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and milk all at once. This simple combination kicks off the magic, letting the pasta absorb all the smoky, savory flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Turn the heat to medium and let the mixture gently simmer. Cook the pasta until it’s tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Make sure to give everything a good stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to mix the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cheese
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, toss in the fresh broccoli florets and both the cubed American cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir them into the pot and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a luscious sauce and the broccoli softens just enough to be delightfully tender yet still crisp.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Now the hardest part is waiting just a moment to dig in without burning your mouth! Serve this cheesy, smoky pasta piping hot for the ultimate comfort food experience that hits every craving spot.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a fresh herbal note and a bit of color contrast. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can perk it up for those who like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This rich and filling pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm buttery rolls are also wonderful for soaking up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and broiled for a golden crust. Or arrange it in a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves family-style for a cozy gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers. For best quality, enjoy within 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the cheesy texture and broccoli’s freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for variations in heat and taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add extra broccoli, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What’s the best cheese for melting in this recipe?
The combination of American cheese and shredded cheddar works beautifully here because American cheese melts into a super smooth sauce, while cheddar adds sharpness and depth.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch but add it a bit earlier in the cooking process to make sure it heats through properly and doesn’t turn mushy.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?
Stir the pot occasionally while simmering and keep an eye on the liquid level. If it looks too dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth or milk to keep things moving.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple, quick, and packed with comforting flavors that will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Give it a try the next time you want a fuss-free meal that everyone will love. I promise it won’t disappoint!
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
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta simmers with flavorful smoked sausage in a creamy blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk, then finishes with melted American and cheddar cheeses and fresh broccoli florets. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines hearty protein, creamy cheese, and nutritious greens for a satisfying, cheesy dinner all made in a single pot.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound shaped pasta
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 2 ½ cups milk
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 ounces American cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the shaped pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and milk into a large pot, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook Pasta: Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, taking care to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Stir in the fresh broccoli florets, cubed American cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese has fully melted and the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pasta hot, enjoying the creamy, cheesy flavors combined with the smoky sausage and fresh broccoli.
Notes
- Use shaped pasta like rotini or penne to hold the sauce well.
- Stir frequently while cooking to avoid the pasta sticking to the pot.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use reduced-fat cheese.
- Broccoli can be swapped with other green vegetables like spinach or peas if preferred.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
