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- 12 oz penne pasta - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish In this dish, the main ingredients create a hearty base. The penne pasta cooks right in the pot, soaking up all the flavors. The smoked sausage adds a savory touch. Onions and garlic bring depth to each bite. For added color and taste, the red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes shine. They help make the dish fresh and bright. The chicken broth ties everything together. It gives moisture and flavor to the pasta. I love using Italian seasoning for that extra kick. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. To finish, fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese melt into the mix. The cheese gives it a creamy texture. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color. This One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta recipe is simple yet full of flavor. For the full cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced smoked sausage. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. Stir them often. You want the onions to turn clear and the sausage to get some color. Next, add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Cook this mix for another 2-3 minutes. Stir it until the bell peppers soften a little. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir and let them cook for 2 more minutes. This helps the tomatoes soften and release their juices. This makes the dish taste great. Carefully pour in the chicken broth. Turn up the heat to bring the mix to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir everything so the pasta is well covered with broth. When the pot starts to simmer again, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid. Cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir it once in a while to stop the pasta from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente. After the pasta cooks, fold in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well before serving. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To get the best pasta, cook it al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Follow the package instructions, but check the pasta a minute early. This helps you avoid overcooking. To prevent sticky pasta, stir it often while it cooks. Make sure the pot has enough water, too. You can also add a bit of salt to the water. This adds flavor and keeps the pasta from sticking together. Want to boost the taste? Try adding spices like paprika or herbs like basil. They can add a nice touch to your dish. If you want a twist, consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage. This keeps the meal light yet tasty. When serving, use deep bowls for a nice look. This keeps the pasta warm and allows for easy eating. Top the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also make it look gourmet. For a personal touch, you can serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad. This makes your meal feel complete and inviting. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta type to fit your taste. Try using bowtie or fusilli pasta for a new twist. You can also swap the smoked sausage for chicken or shrimp. If you want a vegetarian meal, use plant-based sausage or chickpeas instead. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free penne or another pasta made from rice or corn. If you want a vegan dish, skip the cheese and sausage. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas for a bright touch. In summer, throw in zucchini or bell peppers for crunch. In fall, consider adding butternut squash or kale. These seasonal veggies add flavor and color to your meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and safe. You can safely eat it for up to three days. Make sure to cool it before sealing the container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. To reheat the pasta, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth. This keeps the dish creamy and moist. Stir gently as you heat it. In the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps trap steam and keeps the pasta from drying out. You can freeze One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta. Let it cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little broth to keep it creamy. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. You will spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking will take about 20 minutes. This makes it a great option for a quick weeknight meal. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the pasta and sausage as directed. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a pot with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. Try a garden salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a great side. It adds crunch and complements the flavors of the pasta. Yes, this dish is very kid-friendly. The flavors are mild and not too spicy. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to make it even milder. For picky eaters, leave out the spinach or serve it on the side. Kids love the pasta texture and sausage. Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage for a lighter option. Turkey sausage is another healthy choice. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using plant-based sausage. Each type will give a unique flavor to the dish. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You learned about ways to swap ingredients and how to store leftovers. I hope you feel confident to try this easy dish. It’s tasty, quick, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this recipe!

- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Discover the ultimate One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta Delight that's sure to impress! This quick and flavorful recipe combines penne pasta, savory smoked sausage, fresh veggies, and a creamy Parmesan finish, all cooked in a single pot for effortless cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes! Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

12 oz (340g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 medium onion, diced finely

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup fresh baby spinach

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the sausage develops a slight golden brown color.

    Next, add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bell peppers begin to soften.

      Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, which will flavor the dish beautifully.

        Carefully pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.

          Once the pot is back to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            After the pasta is cooked, gently fold in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy coating for the pasta. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.

              Remove the pot from the heat, letting it sit for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the hearty pasta hot in deep bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an appetizing touch. Enjoy your meal!