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20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe

20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet

A creamy, cheesy one-pan pasta dinner with browned smoked sausage, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. This comforting skillet meal makes 4 servings and is ready in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 12 ounces Fully cooked smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 Small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 14.5-ounce can Diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces Uncooked penne or other short pasta
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Creamy Finish
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until the rounds are lightly browned.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the pasta is coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Bring the skillet mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk and shredded cheese. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
  6. Taste the pasta and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately while the sauce is hot and silky.

Notes

Do not rinse the pasta because its starch helps thicken the skillet sauce. Stir regularly and keep the skillet covered during simmering so the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick or dry out. For leftovers, refrigerate in a covered container and reheat gently with a small splash of broth or milk.