In the whirlwind of daily life, finding a recipe that’s both quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser can feel like striking culinary gold. Enter the One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage delight—a dish that promises to tick all those boxes and then some. With its creamy texture, smoky flavors, and a cheesy pull that’ll have your family gathering around the table in no time, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinner game.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Quick & Easy: From the first chop of the sausage to the last stir, you’re looking at about 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavor-Packed: The smoked sausage infuses the dish with a deep, savory flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use whatever pasta shape you have on hand. This recipe is forgiving and flexible.
- Comforting: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of hearty sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta and broccoli is comfort food at its best.
Serving Suggestions:
While this one-pot wonder is a complete meal on its own, you can always round it out with some simple sides. A crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread for dipping can elevate this meal to new heights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work great)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cubed American cheese
- 2 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- Seasoning: smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper, adjusted to taste
Instructions:
- Combine and Cook: In a large pot, combine the sliced smoked sausage, pasta, chicken broth, milk, and heavy whipping cream. Stir the mixture to ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is also a great time to start breathing in the delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
- Add the Cheesy Goodness: When the pasta is tender, add in the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese, and fresh broccoli florets. Stir well to combine and ensure the cheese starts melting beautifully into the sauce, enveloping the pasta and sausage in creamy deliciousness.
- Season: Season your cheesy smoked sausage masterpiece with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. The beauty of this dish is that you can adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences. Whether you like it a bit spicier or prefer a more subtle flavor, it’s all up to you.
- Finish and Serve: Continue cooking just until the broccoli becomes tender and the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a wonderfully creamy texture. This should only take a few more minutes.
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Enjoy: Once everything is perfectly cooked and the kitchen smells like heaven, it’s time to serve up this one-pot wonder. This dish is a complete meal in itself, but feel free to pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce.
