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One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Skillet Pasta

This Cheesy Sausage Skillet Pasta is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's an incredibly easy and delightfully quick comfort food that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Meal
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 450 g smoked kielbasa or turkey/chicken sausage sliced about 0.5 cm thick
  • 225 g diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 480 ml low-sodium chicken broth
  • 283 g canned diced tomatoes with juice do not drain
  • 225 g small dry pasta such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells
  • 120 ml milk or heavy cream
  • 2.5 ml salt
  • 2.5 ml ground black pepper
  • 100 g shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild
  • 15 g thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Equipment

  • Deep Pan or Skillet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a deep pan or skillet with high sides over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add sliced sausage and diced onion to the hot oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes with juice, dry pasta, milk or cream, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated into a velvety sauce.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey layer.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and serve hot.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: For extra veggies, stir in fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or add diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onions. To spice it up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or use spicy Italian sausage. Other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Mexican blend, or a final sprinkle of Parmesan work well. Ground beef, ground turkey, cooked shredded chicken, or plant-based sausage can replace the kielbasa. Add fresh parsley or dried Italian seasoning for more flavor. For a creamier sauce, swap some broth for extra heavy cream or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end.
Tips for Skillet Pasta Success: Don't overcook the pasta; start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark to ensure it's tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adjust liquid as needed: add a splash more broth or milk if the sauce is too thick, or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if it's too thin. Properly browning the sausage is key to developing a deep flavor. To save time, dice your onion, mince garlic, and slice sausage ahead of time.
Storing Your Cheesy Sausage Skillet Pasta: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave (stirring halfway) or gently warm in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat; add a splash of milk or chicken broth if it seems dry. Freezing is possible in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months, but creamy pasta sauces may change texture; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.