A Cozy Smoked Sausage Cheddar Pasta Recipe
There’s a special kind of warmth that fills the kitchen when the scent of creamy cheese sauce, smoked sausage, and tender pasta wafts through the air. It takes me back to chilly evenings spent with loved ones gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter over hearty meals. This Smoked Sausage Cheddar Pasta is not just a dish; it’s a fond memory made anew with each delicious bite. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes!
- Creamy & Flavorful: The rich cheddar cheese envelops every bite, creating a comforting hug of flavor.
- Family-Friendly: With the heartiness of sausage and veggies, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile: Use fresh or frozen veggies based on what you have on hand; it’s adaptable to your pantry!
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time for cozy conversations after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Smoked Sausage Cheddar Pasta
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta
- 14 ounces Petit Jean Meats smoked sausage
- 1 onion, sliced thin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 3 cups milk
- 10 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 packages broccoli florets (9.5 ounces each, frozen or fresh)
Let’s Make It Together
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water or use a steamer insert to cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Slice the Petit Jean Meats smoked sausage into 1/4 inch rounds. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté sausage until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Season the creamy sauce with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it melts and creates a deliciously creamy sauce.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and browned sausage. Toss gently until everything is coated in the cheesy goodness.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Add a Veggie Punch: Toss in bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition!
- Spice it Up: Include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
- Creamy Alfredo Style: Swap half the milk for heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Bake it Up: Transfer the dish to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown for a crispy topping.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the sauce and cook the sausage a day in advance. Simply reheat and combine with the pasta and broccoli before serving.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter version or swap out the cheddar for your favorite type of cheese.
- Slicing Sausage: For even cooking, make sure the sausage slices are uniform in thickness.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk for creaminess.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce in advance. Reheat before serving for best results!
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables or swap the smoked sausage for another protein of your choice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Wrapping It Up
This Smoked Sausage Cheddar Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the heart of cozy family dinners right to your table. Its creamy sauce and robust flavors warm every soul, making it perfect for when you need that extra hug on a chilly evening. Save this recipe to your Easy Weeknight Dinners board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Cozy Smoked Sausage Cheddar Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting pasta dish with creamy cheddar sauce, smoked sausage, and tender bowtie pasta, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta
- 14 ounces Petit Jean Meats smoked sausage
- 1 onion, sliced thin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 3 cups milk
- 10 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 packages broccoli florets (9.5 ounces each, frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water or use a steamer insert to cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Slice the Petit Jean Meats smoked sausage into 1/4 inch rounds. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté sausage until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Season the creamy sauce with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it melts and creates a deliciously creamy sauce.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and browned sausage. Toss gently until everything is coated in the cheesy goodness.
Notes
Make-ahead option available: prep the sauce and cook the sausage a day in advance. Also, feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
