Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our tantalizing Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe! Picture this: a bubbling skillet of creamy pasta, loaded with hearty sausage, and oozing with savory Cheddar-Jack cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family together around the dinner table for cozy, heartwarming moments.

This Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet is not just a dish; it’s a memory in the making. From the sizzle of onions and sausage to the gooey cheese coating every noodle, this recipe is a symphony of flavors that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave minimal dishes and maximum comfort.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a foolproof way to satisfy those comfort food cravings. So, grab your skillet and get ready to whip up a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Get ready to fall in love with our Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet – a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Creamy and Cheesy: Melting Cheddar-Jack cheese creates a luscious, creamy coating over every noodle, providing rich and indulgent flavors.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the sausage for different proteins like chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives, making this recipe adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Convenient and Reheatable: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, and the cheese helps keep the pasta moist when reheating. Just add a splash of milk before microwaving to loosen up the sauce.
Family-Friendly and Comforting: A perfect weeknight staple, this cheesy sausage pasta skillet offers a cozy, hearty, and extra cheesy dish that brings people together around the table, evoking nostalgic feelings and satisfying cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that requires minimal effort and clean-up, perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting yet convenient.
The combination of cheesy Cheddar-Jack sauce, savory sausage, and hearty pasta creates a deliciously satisfying and flavorful dish that will appeal to both adults and kids.
The creamy cheese sauce coats every noodle, creating a luscious and indulgent texture that is sure to be a hit with cheese lovers.
The versatility of the recipe allows for customization with different protein options like chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Using short, sturdy pasta shapes ensures that the pasta holds the creamy sauce and sausage well, giving you a perfect bite every time.
The addition of red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth to the dish, but you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, and reheating is a breeze with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.
Pairing the cheesy sausage pasta skillet with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli, along with some warm crusty bread, elevates it into a complete and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

Main

0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
400 grams canned diced tomatoes with juices
120 millilitres whole milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese (about 200 grams)
480 millilitres chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
225 grams dry pasta
80 grams diced onion
450 grams sausage, casing removed and sliced
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

30 grams chopped scallions

Pro Tips for Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

To make this Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet even more versatile, feel free to swap the sausage for rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage. This way, you can cater to different dietary preferences or simply use what you have on hand.

When choosing the pasta for this dish, opt for short and sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. These varieties are best at holding the creamy sauce and complementing the sausage, ensuring a satisfying bite in every forkful.

If you prefer a spicier or milder flavor profile, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds. You can easily customize the dish by omitting the flakes altogether or adding more for an extra kick of heat.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

Step 1: Sauté Sausage and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sausage, and cook for 5 minutes until sausage is browned and onions are soft.

Step 2: Incorporate Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer with Liquids and Pasta

Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, milk, and dry pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Step 4: Blend in Cheese

Mix shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese into the pasta mixture until fully melted and combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and serve right away.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed the delicious Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet, any leftovers should be allowed to cool fully before being transferred to an airtight container. Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cheese in the pasta helps keep it moist when reheating, and adding a splash of milk before microwaving can help loosen up the sauce for a delightful consistency.

If you are looking to customize the dish, feel free to swap the sausage with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage. When choosing pasta, opt for sturdy short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells to hold the creamy sauce and sausage without becoming mushy. Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness by omitting or modifying the red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

To enhance your dining experience, consider serving the Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or warm crusty bread for sopping up the flavorful sauce. This versatile skillet dinner, blending American comfort and Italian pasta night vibes, is sure to become a beloved weeknight staple in your home.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian or plant-based version, consider using meatless sausage alternatives available in stores.

If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to experiment with substitutes like mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss for a unique flavor profile.

To make this dish gluten-free, swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta option, such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic presentation that keeps the dish hot and bubbly until the last bite. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat. Pair this hearty dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal and soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.

For a fun twist, try serving the Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet in hollowed-out bread bowls. Simply carve out a round loaf of bread, leaving a sturdy edge for dipping, and fill it with the cheesy pasta mixture. Bake until the bread is crispy and golden, then scoop out portions of the cheesy goodness along with chunks of the bread bowl for a cozy and interactive dining experience.

FAQs for Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage all work wonderfully for this dish.

What type of pasta works best for this skillet recipe?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal to hold the creamy sauce and sausage.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild warmth from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your palate.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving. Just add fresh scallions for garnish right before eating.

Conclusion

As you savor the delicious flavors of this Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet, remember that the heartwarming essence of a home-cooked meal lies not just in the ingredients, but in the shared moments around the table. The joy of scraping the last bits of cheese with loved ones is a tradition worth cherishing.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a testament to the simple pleasures of good food and good company. So whip up this Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet, make new memories, and let the aroma of comfort fill your home. It’s sure to become a beloved staple on your weeknight menu.