One-pan skillet sausage pasta with smoky sausage, penne, creamy sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Quick and easy pasta dinner recipe for weeknights, packed with protein and flavorful vegetables. Creamy sausage pasta cooked in a tomato and chicken broth sauce, garnished with green onions for a simple, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound fully cooked smoked sausage (any preferred flavor)
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes
8 ounces dry penne pasta (about 2½ cups)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and diced onion, cooking for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, penne pasta, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add Cream: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet sausage pasta is a quick, comforting one-pan meal. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with tender pasta, creamy sauce, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Tips

Use a deep skillet to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the liquid.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the spiciness.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap smoked sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or a plant-based alternative.
Cheese Variations: Substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Pasta Choices: Penne can be replaced with rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Cream Alternatives: Use half-and-half, heavy cream, or whole milk for a lighter option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook the pasta slightly underdone, then store separately from the sauce. Reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: It’s best to freeze without the cream and cheese. Add them fresh when reheating.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Increase the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Serving

Serve the skillet sausage pasta on its own for a hearty dinner or pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Suggestions

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
For a richer dish, stir in an extra ¼ cup of cheese just before serving.