Cheesy Smoked Sausage Dinner (Printer-Friendly)
A hearty one-pot meal of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, peppers, and bowtie pasta for a flavorful dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fats
01 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Vegetables
03 -
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
04 -
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
05 -
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
06 -
1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Proteins and Sausages
08 -
225 grams sliced andouille sausage
→ Canned Goods
09 -
400 grams fire-roasted diced tomatoes
→ Dairy
10 -
240 milliliters half and half
11 -
120 grams sharp cheddar cheese, grated
12 -
120 grams pepper jack cheese, grated
→ Liquids
13 -
480 milliliters chicken broth, low sodium
→ Pasta
14 -
200 grams bowtie pasta (farfalle)
→ Spices
15 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
17 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
18 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
19 -
Salt, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until butter melts and oil shimmers.
02 -
Add diced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and jalapeño if using. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and aromas develop.
03 -
Push vegetables to one side. Add sliced andouille sausage in a single layer. Brown sausage pieces until crisp and golden on all sides, enhancing smoky flavor.
04 -
Incorporate minced fresh garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant and beginning to adhere to the pan.
05 -
Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, half and half, and chicken broth. Stir to deglaze bottom. Add uncooked bowtie pasta, ensuring full submersion. Add extra broth if necessary.
06 -
Bring to gentle boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta sticking and to ensure even cooking.
07 -
Once pasta is al dente, gradually add grated cheddar and pepper jack cheese by handfuls. Stir continuously off heat to melt cheese into a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust salt and spice before serving.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Brown the sausage thoroughly for optimal smoky depth. Gradual cheese incorporation prevents clumping. Frequent stirring during simmer avoids pasta sticking.