Cheesy Skillet with Sausage and Pasta (Print version)

A one-pan cheesy sausage pasta skillet with smoky sausage, tender pasta, peppers, tomato sauce, and a creamy melted cheese finish.

# Ingredients:

For the skillet

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch coins
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 10 oz (285 g) short pasta, such as penne or rotini
07 - 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
09 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

For the cheesy finish

13 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
14 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once or twice, until browned at the edges. Transfer a few pieces to a plate for topping if you like, or leave all of it in the skillet.
02 - Add the onion and bell pepper to the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the dry pasta, chicken broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
04 - Uncover the skillet and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce looks slightly glossy and loose. Add a splash of broth if the pan is dry before the pasta is tender.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time until melted and creamy. Remove from the heat and let the skillet rest for 3 minutes.
06 - Sprinkle with parsley and any reserved browned sausage. Serve hot while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is still soft.

# Good to know:

01 - Use a 12-inch deep skillet with a lid for even pasta cooking.
02 - Best served right away while the cheese sauce is loose.
03 - Add extra broth by the splash if the pasta needs more time.

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