Description
This Spicy Sausage Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining smoky sausage, tender campanelle pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Quickly cooked in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a spicy kick and cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4″ slices
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (or penne)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- â…“ cup thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet until hot. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the dried minced onion flakes and garlic powder, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes (with juices), and heavy cream. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Add the campanelle pasta, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and evenly distributed.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top along with the thinly sliced scallions. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This cheesy, spicy sausage skillet is delicious straight from the pan!
Notes
- Use campanelle or penne pasta for best texture and sauce adherence; smaller or thinner pasta shapes may become mushy.
- Substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of Rotel tomatoes to control the spiciness level; mild tomatoes can be used for less heat.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish before broiling.
- To make this recipe lower in fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, noting this will slightly change the texture and flavor.
