This One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together juicy sausage, colorful veggies, and pasta in a creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and rich flavors. You can whip it up quickly on busy weeknights or serve it during gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This one-pot meal comes together in just 35 minutes, making dinner planning a breeze.
Flavor Packed: Enjoy the savory goodness of sausage combined with fresh bell peppers and spices for an explosion of flavor.
Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Serves Many: Perfect for families or gatherings, this recipe yields 8 servings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help you make this dish effortlessly. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Nonstick skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Nonstick skillet: Prevents sticking, making cooking and cleanup much easier.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

This Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is made in one pot and is one of our dinner time favorites. It’s full of juicy sausage, veggies, and pasta, all drenched in a creamy sauce and topped with melty cheese!

For the Pasta Dish

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (I use chicken or turkey sausage)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 medium bell peppers (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 can Rotel (I use mild)
8 ounces dry pasta (I used farfalle)
1 1/2 cups shredded monterrey jack cheese
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for topping)
2 green onions (for topping)

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by heating the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced sausage to the heated pan. Cook until browned.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Cook for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables are softened and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Rotel, and dry pasta into the pan.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Stir in 3/4 cup of shredded cheese until melted into the mixture.
Top with remaining cheese, then cover again. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until all cheese is melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta!

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Serving One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is easy and fun! This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and there are many creative ways to enjoy it.

Serve with Fresh Herbs

Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
Basil: Add chopped fresh basil for an aromatic twist that complements the flavors.

Pair with Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce.
Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette can be perfect for dipping into the pasta.

Add a Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.

How to Perfect One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

To make your One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta even more delicious, consider these simple tips. They will help you enhance flavors and ensure perfect results every time!

Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality chicken or turkey sausage for the best taste and texture.
Proper cooking time: Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before adding cheese.
Creaminess adjustment: For a creamier dish, increase the amount of heavy cream or add cream cheese during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Complement your One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta with these delightful side dishes. Each one enhances the meal experience while keeping it simple.

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great side.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the pasta.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a fun addition that pairs well with pasta dishes.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant salad that enhances flavors.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges serve as a hearty side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, they won’t cook evenly. Give everything enough space to brown properly.
Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting to season your dish can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Different types of pasta have varying cook times. Check the package instructions to ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked.
Not Stirring Enough: Failing to stir can cause pasta to stick together or burn. Make sure to mix the ingredients well while cooking.
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Poor-quality cheese may not melt well or provide a rich flavor. Opt for a good quality Monterey Jack for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Use a vacuum sealer for better preservation if possible.

Reheating One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments until hot, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth in a skillet, warm over medium heat while stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta?

One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a delicious meal made with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and creamy cheese sauce, all cooked together in one pot.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can use chicken, turkey, or lamb sausage based on your preference or dietary needs.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

How spicy is the dish with Rotel?

Using mild Rotel keeps it flavorful without being too spicy. Adjust by using original or hot varieties if desired.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any dinner table. With its creamy sauce and melty cheese, it’s sure to be a hit! Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins as you see fit. Give this delightful dish a try today!