Description: A comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, diced tomatoes, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (16 ounces) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 8 ounces dry whole wheat bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Begin by slicing the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Aim for approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Onions. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions have softened and become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The browning of the sausage adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking the garlic briefly releases its aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The chicken broth provides the liquid base for the sauce, while the diced tomatoes add acidity and texture. The heavy cream contributes richness and creaminess to the final dish.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked. Add the dry whole wheat bow tie pasta to the pot, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the liquid. Stir the pasta into the sauce to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally during the simmering process to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Incorporate Cheddar Cheese. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, savory flavor that complements the smoked sausage and other ingredients.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish. Serve the Creamy Cheddar Smoked Sausage Pasta immediately. Garnish with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. The extra cheese adds a visual appeal and allows individuals to customize the level of cheesiness. Fresh parsley provides a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Creamy Cheddar Smoked Sausage Pasta is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. As a one-pot meal, it minimizes the amount of cleanup required, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of smoked sausage, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and children. The creamy texture adds a comforting element, while the whole wheat pasta provides a slightly nutty flavor and additional fiber. The recipe is also versatile and can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences. You can substitute different types of pasta, vegetables, or cheeses to create your own unique variation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
- Add a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess.
Tips:
- Use a good quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Andouille sausage or kielbasa are both excellent choices.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking. For a lighter dish, you can substitute half-and-half or milk.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking, stir it frequently during the simmering process.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Cook it until it is just tender.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 550-650 Protein: 30-35 grams Sodium: 800-1000 mg (depending on the type of smoked sausage and chicken broth used)
Conclusion:
This Creamy Cheddar Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delicious and convenient meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Its simple ingredients, one-pot preparation, and customizable nature make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dish. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a bowl of cheesy, smoky goodness!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bow tie pasta, you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the smoked sausage and add some extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for added protein. Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You may also need to add a little extra cheese to restore the creamy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. The pasta may become a bit softer, and the sauce may separate slightly. To minimize these changes, cook the pasta slightly al dente before freezing and thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. The cheese will alter the overall flavor profile of the dish, experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite. Pepper jack would add a little spice.
