Cheesy Sausage Pasta Skillet

There are some nights when all you want is a bubbling skillet of cheesy pasta loaded with hearty sausage and savory flavor This cheesy sausage pasta skillet became my weeknight go to when my family craved something cozy with minimal dishes and big comfort

The first time I tossed this together was after a busy day with almost nothing in the fridge Since then my husband always lights up when he smells the onions and sausage cooking and my kids love sneaking that golden cheese before it hits the table

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds silkiness and helps brown the sausage Choose extra virgin for deeper flavor
• Sausage: gives the dish its robust personality Try smoky kielbasa spicy Italian or even plant based sausage for a different kick
• Diced onion: creates a sweet savory base Yellow onions caramelize well
• Minced garlic: brightens everything Real garlic cloves give sharper flavor than jarred
• Chicken broth: makes the sauce rich Look for low sodium if you want more control
• Diced tomatoes: bring tang and lushness Fire roasted brands have extra depth
• Milk: creates a creamy sauce Whole milk thickens best but two percent works
• Dry pasta: absorbs the sauce right in the pan Choose short dry shapes like penne or fusilli
• Salt: balances everything A pinch at first then taste and adjust
• Pepper: gives a touch of heat and zip Fresh cracked wakes up the flavors
• Shredded Cheddar Jack cheese: melts smoothly Shred your own cheese for best texture
• Red pepper flakes: add gentle heat Go light if serving kids but do not skip
• Chopped scallions: brighten and add a fresh pop Sprinkle right before serving

Instructions

Cook the Sausage and Onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium Add olive oil then the diced onions and sausage Stir occasionally and let everything cook for about five minutes You want the sausage caramelized and the onions translucent If your sausage releases a lot of fat carefully spoon off some excess

Add Garlic and Seasonings:

Sprinkle in the garlic salt pepper and red pepper flakes Stir continuously for two minutes The garlic should soften not brown and the seasonings should smell fragrant

Simmer the Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth diced tomatoes with their juice and milk Add the dry pasta Stir well making sure the pasta is mostly submerged Increase the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil

Cook the Pasta:

Once boiling reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid Let it simmer for about fifteen minutes Stir halfway through so nothing sticks on the bottom You know it is done when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Finish with Cheese:

Take off the lid Turn heat to low and add the shredded cheese Stir constantly as it melts into a gooey sauce coating every piece of pasta

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from heat Scatter the chopped scallions over the top Spoon into bowls while bubbling hot This is the moment the whole family comes running

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My absolute favorite part of this dish is the way Cheddar Jack cheese melts into a luscious creamy coating over every noodle Even when I was little I remember my mom using the edge of a spoon to scrape those last cheesy bits from the pan When my own kids now do the same it always makes me smile

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully then transfer to an airtight container Store in the fridge for up to three days The cheese keeps the pasta moist when reheating Add a splash of milk before microwaving to loosen up the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the sausage for rotisserie chicken ground turkey or go totally meatless with your favorite plant based sausage Any sturdy short pasta works just avoid delicate noodles that may turn mushy

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is satisfying all by itself but you can make it a full meal with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli Warm crusty bread for soaking up the sauce is always welcome at our table

Cultural and Family Context

Skillet dinners like this have always been a lifesaver in busy households My family loves the mix of American comfort and Italian pasta night vibes Cheese sausage and pasta are that timeless trifecta that brings people together around the table

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This skillet dinner is sure to become a weeknight staple Cozy hearty and extra cheesy—your family will love every bite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can other meats be used instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage all work wonderfully for this dish.

→ What type of pasta is best for this skillet?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal to hold the creamy sauce and sausage.

→ Is this skillet dish spicy?

It has a mild warmth from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your palate.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving. Just add fresh scallions for garnish right before eating.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes perfect companions to this cheesy skillet dish.