Creamy Sausage & Cheese Skillet Pasta

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight savior! This incredibly easy and utterly delicious Cheesy Sausage Pasta bakes entirely in one dish, transforming dinner prep into a breeze. Forget the hassle of pre-cooking pasta or browning sausage; simply combine all your ingredients in a baking dish, and let the oven work its magic. The result is a creamy, comforting, and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and minimizes cleanup – truly a “dump it all in and bake” dream come true!

Author’s Note

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One Dish. No Stress. So Good.

For countless years, my kitchen philosophy has revolved around one simple principle: making dinner as easy and stress-free as possible. This commitment stems from the reality of busy lives, juggling responsibilities, and still wanting to serve delicious, homemade meals. That’s why I’ve always championed recipes that come together effortlessly in a single pan, a one-pot wonder, or a set-and-forget slow cooker. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying than a recipe that minimizes prep time and leaves you with a clean kitchen.

Today’s Cheesy Sausage Pasta recipe perfectly embodies this philosophy. It’s an ultra-creamy, incredibly cheesy, and savory dish featuring smoked sausage and tender broccoli, all baked in one convenient dish. There’s no need to boil the pasta separately, nor do you have to brown the sausage beforehand. The oven takes care of everything, infusing every bite with rich flavor while you enjoy some well-deserved relaxation or tackle other household tasks. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a breath of fresh air on a hectic evening, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to come with a complicated process.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta

This Cheesy Sausage Pasta isn’t just another dinner; it’s a solution to your weeknight woes, offering a perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Unbeatable Simplicity: The “dump and bake” method is truly revolutionary. No more multiple pots and pans, no pre-boiling or pre-browning. You literally add all the ingredients to one dish, cover, and bake. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone short on time.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just one baking dish to wash, cleanup is a breeze. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening.
• Incredible Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this pasta dish is bursting with flavor. The smoked sausage provides a savory depth, while the sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and tender broccoli. The blend of spices ensures a well-rounded and deeply satisfying taste.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: We’ve snuck in plenty of vibrant broccoli, adding a boost of vegetables and a pleasant texture contrast to the creamy sauce. It’s an easy way to get greens into your family’s diet without a fuss.
• Customizable and Versatile: While delicious as is, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap vegetables, experiment with different types of sausage, or even vary the cheese to suit your preferences. It’s a versatile base for culinary creativity.
• A True Family Favorite: The combination of cheesy pasta and savory sausage is a universally loved pairing. This dish is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for families with picky eaters or anyone craving a comforting meal.

Cheesy Sausage Pasta Ingredient Spotlight

Understanding your ingredients is key to achieving the best results with this Cheesy Sausage Pasta. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and creamy texture of this one-pan delight.

• Sausage: The star of the show! It’s essential to use a fully cooked smoked sausage for this recipe. Varieties like hardwood smoked turkey or chicken sausage are fantastic choices, offering great flavor without excess grease. Avoid uncooked sausage, as it tends to release too much fat during baking, making the dish greasy and impacting its texture. A 14-ounce package is ideal, but anything between 11-14 ounces will work perfectly. The smoky notes of the sausage are integral to the dish’s overall profile.
• Pasta: We recommend using uncooked penne or rotini pasta. These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully and cook evenly in the baking dish. If you choose a different pasta type, ensure its standard boil time is around 9-11 minutes to guarantee it cooks perfectly alongside the other ingredients in the oven. The magic of this recipe lies in the pasta absorbing the flavorful liquid as it bakes.
• Cheese: For maximum flavor and melt-factor, opt for sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Freshly grating your own cheese is highly recommended. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a slightly grainy texture. Freshly grated cheese, however, melts into a wonderfully smooth, gooey, and rich sauce that truly makes this dish shine. You can also experiment with other good melting cheeses like Gruyere or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Stock: A high-quality chicken stock forms the flavorful base for our sauce. Better stock equals richer flavor! If you’re using chicken broth, which can sometimes be less concentrated, you might want to slightly increase the seasoning to ensure the depth of flavor is maintained. The stock helps hydrate the pasta and creates a savory foundation.
• Milk: Whole milk is your best friend here. It contributes significantly to the dish’s luscious, creamy texture. While 1% or 2% milk can be used for a lighter alternative, be aware that the final result will be less rich and creamy. Skim milk or most dairy-free milk alternatives are not suitable for this recipe as they lack the fat content necessary for the desired texture and mouthfeel.
• Broccoli: Freshly chopped broccoli florets add a wonderful pop of color, texture, and nutritional value. They soften beautifully in the oven, absorbing the cheesy sauce. While fresh is ideal, you can use frozen broccoli (no need to thaw), though you might want to increase the baking time slightly if it’s very dense.
• Seasonings: Since we’re skipping the fresh onion to keep prep swift, the combination of onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper is crucial. These dry seasonings efficiently build a robust flavor profile that complements the sausage and cheese, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Don’t be shy about adjusting them to your taste!

How To Make One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Step-by-Step

Creating this effortless Cheesy Sausage Pasta is as simple as gather, dump, and bake! Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:

1. Prepare Your Pan: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even cooking, but a metal pan can also be used. Slice your smoked sausage into coins, then halve them for easier mixing and eating.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Add your uncooked pasta directly to the greased pan. Evenly sprinkle the flour over the pasta. Next, add the onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken stock and whole milk. Dot the butter (cut into a couple of pieces) over the liquid. Stir everything together really well to ensure the pasta is submerged and coated, and the flour is dispersed. Top with the coarsely chopped broccoli.
3. Initial Bake (Covered): Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the pasta evenly and preventing it from drying out. Bake for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in Cheese and Sausage: Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!). Give everything a good stir to mix the partially cooked pasta and broccoli with the sauce. Add 1 cup of the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and stir it through until it starts to melt into the creamy sauce. Arrange the sliced sausage evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
5. Final Bake (Uncovered): Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese over the sausage layer. Return the uncovered pan to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes. The dish is ready when the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbly and thickened, and the cheese on top is golden brown and perfectly melted. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the sauce to evaporate too much.
6. Rest and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the Cheesy Sausage Pasta stand for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and settle. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your hassle-free, comforting meal! While it bakes, you can quickly whip up a simple side like a refreshing Cucumber Salad or a hearty Lentil Salad.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Sausage Pasta Perfection

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Cheesy Sausage Pasta from great to absolutely unforgettable:

• Don’t Skimp on Seasonings: Since this recipe uses no fresh onion (to keep prep super quick), the dry seasonings are paramount to building a complex flavor profile. Stick to the amounts listed, and then feel free to adjust to your personal taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you like a little heat!
• Grate Your Own Cheese: This is a game-changer for creamy pasta. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can make it melt unevenly and result in a slightly gritty or clumpy sauce. Freshly grated cheese, especially sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar, will melt into a wonderfully smooth, velvety sauce that truly enhances the dish’s texture and flavor. If you want to speed things up, use a food processor with a shredding attachment.
• Use the Right Pan: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. This size ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and the liquid is distributed correctly. If your pan is too small, the ingredients will be overcrowded, leading to uneven cooking and potentially dry pasta. A pan that holds 14–16 cups is the sweet spot.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pasta during the final baking stage. Overbaking can cause the sauce to cook out and evaporate, leaving you with dry pasta. The goal is tender pasta, a thick and bubbly sauce, and a beautifully golden-brown, melted cheese topping.
• Consider Fresh Herbs: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (as listed) or chives after baking adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich and savory flavors. It’s a simple garnish that makes a big impact on presentation and taste.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative with substitutions and additions to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Protein Swaps: If smoked sausage isn’t your preference, consider using fully cooked chicken sausage, or even pre-cooked and crumbled ground turkey or beef. Ensure any meat you add is already cooked, as the recipe is designed for ingredients that don’t require pre-browning.
• Vegetable Boost: While broccoli is fantastic, this dish welcomes other vegetables. Try adding chopped bell peppers, spinach (stir in during the last 5-10 minutes of baking), sliced mushrooms, or even a can of drained diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella will give you extra stretch, Gruyere offers a nutty depth, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can create a milder, creamier profile.
• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other seasonings will do the trick.
• Herbaceous Additions: Beyond parsley, a touch of dried Italian seasoning or oregano added with the flour can enhance the savory notes.

To round out your meal, serve this hearty pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, creamy sauce.

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One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta

By
Chelsea Lords

One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a quick and effortless dinner that brings together flavorful sausage, pasta, and cheesy goodness in one dish!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Video

This simple Cheesy Sausage Pasta is all made in ONE baking dish — the oven does all the work! No need to pre-boil the pasta or pre-cook the sausage; just dump it all in the pan and bake.

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 14 ounces smoked sausage (see note 1)
• 2-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta or rotini pasta (see note 2)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 cups whole milk (see note 3)
• 2-1/2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided (see note 4)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Remove milk from the fridge, measure 2 cups, and set aside. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Slice sausage into coins, then cut coins in half.
2. Add the following ingredients to the pan in this order: uncooked pasta, flour sprinkled evenly on top, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, minced garlic, chicken broth or stock, milk, and butter cut into 2 pieces. Stir well to combine and ensure pasta is submerged. Top with coarsely chopped broccoli. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and stir ingredients together really well. Add in 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir through again until cheese begins to melt. Place the cut sausage on top of ingredients in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar on top. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown; avoid overbaking or the sauce may dry out. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: I highly recommend using a fully cooked smoked sausage for this recipe. My personal favorites are hardwood smoked turkey sausage and chicken sausage, both of which I’ve tested with excellent results. I do not recommend using uncooked sausage; it will make the dish overly greasy and will not cook properly within the given time. Anywhere in the range of 11–14 ounces will work great, but I typically use a 14-ounce package.

Note 2: I’ve thoroughly tested this recipe with both penne and rotini pasta, and I recommend either for their ability to hold the sauce and cook evenly. If you choose to use a different type of pasta, please check the package to ensure its standard boil time is approximately 9–11 minutes. This ensures the pasta cooks to the right al dente texture in the oven.

Note 3: For the best creamy texture, whole milk is highly preferred in this recipe. While 1% and 2% milk will work as substitutes, they will result in a slightly less creamy dish. Unfortunately, skim milk or most dairy milk alternatives do not perform the same way in this recipe due to their lower fat content, and may lead to a thinner, less rich sauce.

Note 4: To achieve a wonderfully smooth and lump-free cheese sauce, I strongly recommend freshly shredding your cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese typically contains a cellulose coating that prevents it from clumping in the bag but also inhibits it from melting as smoothly. You can significantly speed up the shredding process by using a food processor with a shredding attachment. For maximum flavor, choose sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.

Storage: Store the cooled Cheesy Sausage Pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For reheating, use either the microwave or oven until heated through. Freezing this dish is not recommended as it can compromise the pasta’s texture and the creaminess of the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 773 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 61.4 g
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Protein: 33.9 g
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Fat: 43.1 g
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Cholesterol: 111.4 mg
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Sodium: 942.1 mg
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Fiber: 3.2 g
|
Sugar: 9.7 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.