Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet

This cheesy sausage pasta skillet brings together savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce all in one pan for a comforting dinner that satisfies every time. The combination of spices and aromatics creates layers of flavor that make this dish taste like it took hours instead of just 35 minutes.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet satisfying for my family. It has since become our Wednesday night tradition when sports practices run late and everyone comes home starving.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Creates the flavor foundation by properly browning the sausage and onions
• Sausage: Provides rich savory flavor; look for Italian sausage with visible herbs for best results
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness that balances the richness; choose yellow onions for their mild flavor
• Minced garlic: Infuses aromatic depth; fresh garlic cloves yield the best flavor
• Chicken broth: Forms the cooking liquid for the pasta; homemade stock works beautifully here
• Canned diced tomatoes: Add acidity and texture; fire-roasted varieties add extra smokiness
• Whole milk: Creates creaminess without being too heavy; avoid skim milk as it lacks richness
• Dry pasta: Absorbs flavors as it cooks; short shapes like rotini or penne work best
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all other flavors; use kosher salt for better flavor distribution
• Shredded Cheddar Jack cheese: Melts beautifully into a creamy sauce; freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre-shredded
• Red pepper flakes: Add gentle heat; adjust according to your preference
• Chopped scallions: Provide fresh contrast and color to the finished dish

How To Make Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet

Brown the proteins:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the sausage and onion, spreading them evenly across the pan to ensure proper browning. Cook for a full 5 minutes, stirring occasionally but allowing the sausage to develop a golden brown crust that will add tremendous flavor to the final dish.

Add aromatics:

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Keep the heat steady at medium and cook for 2 minutes while stirring frequently. This step is crucial for developing the aromatic base of the dish. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown, which would create bitterness.

Create the pasta bath:

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with all their juices, and milk. Add the dry pasta and stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which should take about 3 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Check halfway through and give a quick stir to prevent sticking.

Incorporate the cheese:

Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and add the shredded cheese. Stir continuously but gently until the cheese completely melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture. This should take about 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as you stir.

Finish and serve:

Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Sprinkle the chopped scallions evenly across the top. Serve immediately in warm bowls while the cheese sauce is at its creamiest consistency.

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The canned diced tomatoes are actually my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their importance when I once substituted fresh tomatoes and found the dish lacked that slight acidity that balances the richness. My daughter now requests this pasta skillet for her birthday dinner every year, claiming nobody makes it quite like mom.

Make Ahead Options

This pasta skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy households. To prepare ahead, follow all steps except adding the cheese and garnish. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Once hot, stir in the cheese until melted, then add scallions. The flavors actually develop further overnight, creating an even more delicious second-day meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. Ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles can replace the sausage. Vegetable broth works beautifully instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile. Any melting cheese can substitute for the Cheddar Jack; try mozzarella for stretch, fontina for nuttiness, or pepper jack for extra heat. Gluten-free pasta works well, though you may need to adjust cooking time. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened plant milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

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Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough makes an excellent vehicle for scooping up extra cheese sauce. For a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. This dish also stands alone as a complete meal, especially when served with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot for the adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with your preferred type, such as spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage, to suit your taste.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

A Cheddar-Jack blend melts beautifully and adds creaminess, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

→ What is the best pasta type to use?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni work best because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for more substance.

→ How do I adjust the spiciness?

To increase heat, add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. To make it milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.