One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

This dish is a one-pot wonder that delivers BIG flavor with minimal effort. The smoked sausage brings a bold, savory depth that pairs beautifully with garlic, tomatoes, cream, and melty cheese. Stir it all together with pasta that cooks right in the sauce, and dinner basically makes itself.

Why You’ll Love It

• One pot = easy cleanup
• Done in 30 minutes
• Creamy, cheesy, smoky flavor in every bite
• Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, meal prep gold
• Totally halal-friendly (just use halal beef or turkey sausage)

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per serving: ~450

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 12 oz halal smoked sausage (beef or turkey), sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish

Use halal kielbasa, turkey sausage, or any smoked sausage you love.

How to Make It

1. Brown the Sausage

• Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes.
• Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Onion & Garlic

• In the same pot, add diced onion.
• Cook until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
• Add garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes, Broth, Cream & Pasta

• Stir in:
  • Diced tomatoes with juice
  • Chicken broth
  • Cream
  • Uncooked pasta
• Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer and Stir

• Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
• If sauce gets too thick before pasta is cooked, add a splash of broth or water.

5. Add Cheese & Sausage

• Stir in browned sausage and shredded cheese.
• Mix until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve It Up

• Spoon into bowls and top with parsley, more cheese, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

What to Serve With It

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or naan
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Lemon cucumber salad for something fresh and cool

Variations & Add-Ins

• Spicy kick: Use spicy halal sausage or add cayenne
• Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
• Cheesy upgrade: Use smoked gouda or pepper jack for a twist
• Tomato-free: Use Alfredo sauce instead of diced tomatoes
• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and adjust cook time as needed

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months (best without added cheese; stir in when reheating)
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream and microwave or warm gently on the stove

FAQ

Can I use any kind of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini works best. Avoid long noodles for one-pot recipes.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cheese—or use dairy-free cheese.

Is this halal?
Yes, as long as you use halal-certified smoked sausage and broth.

Can I double the recipe?
Totally! Just use a large enough pot and stir often to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect mix of smoky, creamy, cheesy, and easy. It’s cozy enough for cold nights, fast enough for weeknights, and tasty enough to serve to guests. You’ll want to keep this one in your regular dinner rotation—promise.

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