Name: One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Shaped Pasta; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 2 cups Chicken Broth; 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream; 2 ½ cups Milk; 2 ½ cups Fresh Broccoli Florets; 8 ounces American cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

There’s nothing quite like digging into a steaming bowl of One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta after a long day. This comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner comes together in about 20 minutes and is bursting with smoky, creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Your whole family will love how hearty, flavorful, and downright irresistible this easy pasta is – and you’ll love that it all happens in a single pot (goodbye, extra dishes!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Wonder: Just one pot for the entire meal, which means fast cleanup and more time to relax.
Savory, Cheesy Goodness: Rich cheeses and smoked sausage combine for unbeatable flavor and creamy texture in every bite.
Hidden Veggie Upgrade: Even picky eaters will devour their broccoli when it’s coated in this decadent sauce.
Weeknight Hero: From pantry to table in under 30 minutes – dinner doesn’t get easier, or more satisfying, than this!

One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few humble ingredients for One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta, but each one plays an essential role in making this dish the quick, comforting classic it is. Together, they create a perfect balance: smoky sausage, gooey cheese, tender veggies, and toothsome pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce.

Shaped Pasta (1 pound): Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best—they hold onto all that cheesy sauce and cook evenly in the pot.
Smoked Sausage (1 pound, sliced): Kielbasa or any smoked sausage brings savory, smoky flavor that infuses the whole dish as it simmers.
Chicken Broth (2 cups): Adds depth and keeps the pasta moist as it cooks; use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1 pint): For an ultra-creamy texture and rich, velvety sauce you’ll want to scoop up with a spoon.
Milk (2 ½ cups): Balances out the richness from the cream and ensures your pasta is perfectly saucy—not too thick, not too thin.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (2 ½ cups): Adds color, crunch, and a much-needed veggie boost—plus, the broccoli becomes tender without losing its bright green color.
American Cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Melts like a dream and gives that cheeseburger-style creaminess everyone loves.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and more gooey, stringy cheese pulls (the total cheese moment!).

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is how crazy-easy it is to play around with the flavors. Whether you’re working with what you have on hand or need to tweak the recipe for allergies or preferences, these simple swaps make it your own!

Swap the Sausage: Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, or go meatless by using plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta (just keep an eye on the cook time so it doesn’t over-soften in the pot).
Add More Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, baby spinach, or peas in the last few minutes for extra color and nutrients.
Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a gentle kick that perks up the creamy sauce.

How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Bring Everything to the Pot

Add your dried pasta, sliced smoked sausage, chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk directly into a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. That’s right—no need to pre-cook the pasta! Give everything a good stir so the liquids are evenly distributed and the pasta is nestled down in the sauce.

Step 2: Simmer to Pasta Perfection

Turn the heat to medium and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Remember to stir every 3–4 minutes (this prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures the creamy sauce cooks evenly). Let it bubble away until the pasta is just al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed—about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Cheese

Now the magic happens: Toss in your fresh broccoli florets and both cheeses. The steam from the hot pasta will begin to melt the cheese right away. Stir gently for 2–3 minutes more, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the sauce turns gloriously smooth and cheesy.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Take a moment to appreciate the delicious aroma, then scoop generous helpings into bowls. Twirl up that pasta, making sure to get sausage, broccoli, and plenty of gooey cheese in every bite. This is the ultimate comfort food, made in a flash!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly cubed American cheese instead of slices so it melts completely into a silky, lump-free sauce.
Bite-Sized Broccoli: Cut broccoli florets into small pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly—no big raw stems or overcooked mush!
Even Pasta Cooking: Stir regularly and make sure pasta is covered with enough liquid throughout; if it looks too thick before pasta has softened, just add a splash more milk.
Sausage Sear Optional: For even more flavor, quickly brown the sliced sausage in the pot first, then add your liquids and pasta. It’s an extra step that cranks up the smokiness!

How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cheddar, a dusting of freshly ground black pepper, or a handful of chopped fresh parsley takes this dish from delicious to dinner-party worthy. Even a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the cheese sauce a fun and fiery finish!

Side Dishes

Honestly, One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a full meal on its own, thanks to the sausage, veggies, and carbs. But if you’re serving a crowd, pair it with a simple green salad, some garlicky sautéed green beans, or a warm loaf of crusty bread to help soak up any cheesy sauce left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, ladle it straight from the pot at the table. Want to impress? Serve individual portions in shallow bowls topped with extra cheese and a flourish of herbs, or use pretty ramekins for portable pot-luck style servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making easy lunches or quick reheat-and-eat dinners a snap.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, though keep in mind that cheese sauces may become a bit grainy after thawing. If freezing, cool the pasta thoroughly, place in freezer-safe containers, and enjoy within 1–2 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creaminess if the sauce thickens up. Stir well before serving so everything is luscious and evenly heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If using frozen broccoli, add it straight from the freezer in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. It may release a bit more water, so allow the dish to simmer uncovered for an extra minute if needed to thicken the sauce.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli work perfectly. They catch the sausage and velvety sauce beautifully, and cook evenly in one pot. Avoid long noodles, which can stick and clump in creamy one-pot dishes.
How can I make this lighter?

For a lighter version, try using chicken or turkey sausage, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, and use reduced-fat cheeses. You can also boost the veggies by doubling the broccoli or tossing in extra greens like spinach!
My cheese sauce turned out grainy. What happened?

This is usually due to overheating or adding cheese when the liquid is boiling hard. To keep your One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta silky-smooth, reduce the heat to low before adding cheese, and stir gently until melted.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a stress-free dinner that’s cozy, cheesy, and sure to make everyone ask for seconds, this One-Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is calling your name. Give it a try—you’ll love having this creamy, family-favorite recipe up your sleeve for even your busiest weeknights!