Cheesy Sausage Pasta (one pot)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
440 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Sausage Pasta (one pot)
Description
The recipe begins by browning Italian sausage and onion to build a flavorful base. Milk and chicken broth provide the liquid components for cooking the penne pasta directly in the pot, allowing it to absorb the savory flavors. Cornstarch is stirred in before heating to ensure the sauce thickens smoothly as it simmers. Seasonings including garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper contribute subtle spice and complexity.
Once the pasta is tender, the sausage is sliced and the mixture is removed from heat before folding in a trio of shredded cheeses: cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan. The cheeses melt into the hot pasta, creating a creamy sauce that balances the meaty sausage. The dish offers a rich texture with a mild spicy background from the paprika, making it a comforting meal option.
Care should be taken with cooking times depending on the pasta type, and additional liquid may be needed if evaporation occurs. Using freshly grated cheeses from a block improves melting and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties. Stir the cheeses in off the heat to avoid over-thickening, and add broth if the sauce gets too thick before serving.
Ingredients
- ½ pound Italian sausage links
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
- 1 ½ cups penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt more to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup gruyere cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown Italian sausage and onion.
- Add milk, broth, and pasta to the pot along with the sausage and onion. Stir in the cornstarch and seasonings and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover, and cook for 10-16 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Check the pan frequently and add more water or broth as needed.
- Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Remove sausage from the pot and slice.
- Stir the cheese into the pasta until melted. Stir in the sliced sausage and serve.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the pasta shape to achieve tender results without overcooking.
- Stir in the cornstarch before heating liquids to prevent lumps and ensure smooth sauce thickening.
- If using a wider pan, monitor liquid levels closely and add broth or water as needed to prevent dryness.
- Grate cheeses fresh from blocks, as pre-shredded cheeses may not melt as well in this dish.
- Remove the pot from heat before adding cheeses to control sauce thickness; if too thick, thin with a bit of broth.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 440 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 440 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 816mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 385mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 514IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 464mg | 46% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.