What is a lifesaver?How do you make cheesy pasta sausageis the MVP of my weeknight dinners. Think of it as lasagna’s chill cousin – all the comforting flavors you crave, but without all of the artificial flavors. What is layering and fuss? It’s like a warm hug in the pan, and honestly, sometimes that is exactly what I need after my long day. What’s the best part of running on fumes? If you love pasta bakes, you’re going to be obsessed with this one – it’s got all the cheesy, saucy goodness. What are some of the best things you could ask for?
What is a Cheesy Pasta Skillet?
This How do you make a cheesyis a one-pan wonder. Think of it as a deconstructed lasagna, but way easier and faster to make. It’s got pasta, sausage, tomato sauce, and a generous helping of cheese, all cooked together. Is it so easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen? What’s a good weeknight meal? ) are fantastic for lunch the next day. I love that you can customize it with your favorite veggies and cheeses – make it your own!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do people fall in love with animals?How do you make cheesy pasta sausageWhat I love the most is how delicious it is. The combination of savory sausage, the tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is just right. What are some of the best dump-and-go recipes? Who doesn’t love a recipe that requires lots of dishes? What are some of the best ingredients to make this recipe? What are some of the best ways to add veggies to your diet? What are some ways to use a different kind of cheese? This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re a fan of my One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta, you will adore the added heartiness that the sausage adds. What is the best way to prepare this dish? It’s comfort food at its finest.
How do I make cheesy sausage in a skillet?
Quick Overview
Making this What are some good cheesy pasta sausageIs it a breeze to cook sausage? Simmer until pasta is cooked, then stir in your cheese and let it melt. That’s it! What’s the hardest part of waiting for it to be ready? What is the best way to cook everything in One Pan?
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (I like to use mild or sweet Italian pork, but I don’t like spicy). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use hot!
* 1 onion, chopped (Yellow or white onions work great)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is always best!)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (I prefer crushed tomato for the texture, but you can also use canned tomatoes). If you prefer a smoother tomato sauce, you can substitute sour cream for tomato.
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 2 cups chicken broth (Low-sodium is best, so you can control the salt level)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I like penne, rotini, or farfalle, but any short pasta will work)
For the Cheese: Why is it so
* 2 cups mozzarella cheese (Freshly shredded melts the best)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. What should I do if I’m going to cook this for 5-7 minutes? Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease. I always do this step carefully to avoid any splatters!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is just amazing! How do you cook garlic?
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my smoothie. I like it!
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer
Add the pasta to a skillet and stir to combine. Make sure it is submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. How do you prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of a skillet? What is patience?
Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes. If you want the cheese to be bubbly, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. What is the difference between golden brown and What is the best way to keep a close eye on your skin so it doesn’t burn?
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!How do you make cheesy pasta sausageIs best served hot, with a side of Garlic Bread or salad?
What should I serve it with?
This What is cheesy pasta sausage skillet?Is a complete meal in itself? What are some of my favorite pairings?
What is a good light lunch?A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to the richness of the salad. I like to add cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for extra freshness.
For a family dinner:What are some of the best Garlic Bread recipes? What are some good side dishes to serve with steamed broccoli or green beans?
For a potluck:This skillet is easy to transport and serve, making it a great option for potlucks. Is it safe to cook in a Slow Cooker?
I also love serving this with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat. My family has a tradition of adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top – it’s so creamy and delicious!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Pasta Sausage Skillet
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this cheesy pasta sausage skillet even better. Here are some of my top tips:
Sausage Selection: Experiment with different types of sausage to find your favorite. Hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick, while sweet Italian sausage is milder and sweeter. You can also use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Pasta Prep: Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of cheddar cheese would all be delicious in this skillet.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetable Variety: Add some chopped vegetables to the skillet along with the onion and garlic. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the skillet uncovered for the last few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. For a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth.
One time, I accidentally used diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes, and the texture was a little chunky, but it still tasted amazing! It just goes to show that this recipe is very forgiving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This cheesy pasta sausage skillet is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats well. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can start to grow.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: It is better to freeze it before adding the cheese, so it retains its original texture when reheating.
To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. I’ve even reheated it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, and it tasted just as good as the first day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to cheesy pasta sausage skillet recipe! It’s quick, easy, and totally satisfying. I love that it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s comfort food at its finest! If you’re looking for other easy weeknight dinners, be sure to check out my Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about those too. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Pasta Sausage Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound pasta (any short shape)
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add the cooked pasta, pasta sauce, and browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and cook until melted and bubbly.
