Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

This cozy onepot meal brings smoky andouille sausage, chewy bowtie pasta, and a melty mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese into one simple, satisfying dish. Sweet sautéed peppers and onions paired with garlic and Cajun spices build a flavorful foundation, while fireroasted tomatoes and half and half create a creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty comfort dish with minimal cleanup.

I first made this during a chilly football Sunday when I needed a quick meal that filled everyone up. Even my kids who can be picky loved it so much it’s become a regular request whenever friends are over.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: for a flavorful and smooth cooking base choose a good quality extra virgin for best taste
• Butter: adds richness and helps soften the veggies until tender and sweet
• Red and green bell peppers: bring color, sweetness, and a slight crunch pick firm peppers without blemishes
• Yellow onion: provides savory depth and a solid flavor backbone look for dry skins and firm bulbs
• Jalapeno: adds gentle heat if you like spice remove seeds for a milder touch
• Fresh garlic cloves: add a beautiful aromatic punch use firm, plump cloves with no green shoots
• Andouille sausage: is the star ingredient lending smoky, spicy flavor slicing evenly helps it brown nicely
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes: introduce smokiness and acidity select brands with minimal added sugar
• Half and half or whole milk: creates a creamy sauce whole milk adds richness if used
• Chicken broth: infuses the pasta with savory notes low sodium allows better salt control
• Bowtie pasta: holds all the cheese sauce in its folds brands like Barilla or De Cecco stay firm and cook evenly
• Sharp cheddar cheese: offers tang and smooth meltiness shredded fresh from a block works best
• Pepper jack cheese: brings creaminess with a spicy kick also best shredded fresh
• Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning: layer additional flavor Cajun spice is optional but recommended
• Salt: used to balance and enhance all flavors added to taste

Instructions

Warm the pot:

Add olive oil and butter to a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt fully and the oil to shimmer before continuing. This ensures even cooking and a rich base flavor.

Saute the vegetables:

Add diced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and if using, diced jalapeno. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Stir frequently and cook for about five minutes so the vegetables soften and develop their natural sweetness while releasing aroma.

Brown the sausage:

Push the softened vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the sliced andouille sausage in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed so it crisps and browns on both sides. This browning step intensifies the smoky flavor and adds texture.

Add garlic:

Add minced fresh garlic to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for only one minute until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to stick slightly to the pan. This step builds depth without burning the garlic.

Combine tomatoes and liquids:

Pour in the fireroasted diced tomatoes along with half and half and chicken broth. Stir well to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits off the bottom. Add the uncooked bowtie pasta and make sure all the noodles are submerged. Add a splash more broth if needed.

Simmer the pasta:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then cover with a lid. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and to ensure it cooks evenly.

Finish with cheese:

When the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to bite, gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses in small handfuls. Stir continuously as the cheese melts into a silky, smooth sauce. Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed. Serve immediately while piping hot.

The andouille sausage is my absolute favorite part of this dish. As it browns, it fills the kitchen with a smoky spicy aroma that makes your mouth water before the first bite. My family still laughs remembering how we demolished the whole pan before halftime during one of our football nights.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to revive creaminess. For freezing, portion into freezer safe bags and flatten them to speed thawing. Use within two months for best taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey sausage or any smoked sausage if andouille is unavailable. Vegetarians can use plant based sausages and vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or spinach after browning the sausage for extra veggies. Swap cheeses for Monterey Jack or Colby Jack if you prefer less spicy or milder flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, extra shredded cheese, or crispy fried onions on top. A crisp green salad and garlic toasted bread complement this dish beautifully. For gatherings, set out hot sauce and extra Cajun seasoning so guests can customize their heat level.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy a creamy, smoky onepot meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute another pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well. Adjust cooking time and broth amounts to suit the pasta shape used.

→ Is Andouille sausage required?

Andouille provides signature smokiness, but kielbasa, chorizo, or other smoked sausages can be great alternatives based on preference.

→ Can this dish be made less spicy?

Omit jalapeno and use milder Cajun seasoning, or reduce the seasoning amount to control heat levels.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Add cheese gradually off the heat while stirring constantly to ensure smooth melting throughout the pasta and sausage.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the flavors and complete the meal nicely.