Cheesy One-Pot Andouille Sausage Pasta Delight
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of our Cheesy One-Pot Andouille Sausage Pasta Delight. This dish combines the smoky notes of andouille sausage with perfectly cooked elbow pasta, all linguistically intertwined in a creamy, cheesy sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. Cooking everything in one skillet allows the pasta to soak up all the deliciousness of the ingredients, especially enhanced by the tang of diced tomatoes and the depth of chicken broth. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and for those cheese lovers, feel free to sprinkle in extra cheese for the ultimate indulgence!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
onion
1 (diced)
smoked andouille sausages
1 (12 7/8 ounce) package (thinly sliced)
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
elbows pasta
8 ounces (none)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced andouille sausage. Cook the mixture while stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are translucent.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes and milk. Stir in the elbows pasta and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 12-14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
3
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese generously on top. Cover the skillet for about 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
4
After the cheese has melted, stir everything together to incorporate the gooey cheese throughout your pasta dish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy One-Pot Andouille Sausage Pasta Delight?
It is a 30-minute one-skillet dish featuring smoky andouille sausage, elbow pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made with Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for a 12 7/8 ounce package of smoked andouille sausages, which should be thinly sliced.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No, this is a one-pot meal where the elbow pasta cooks directly in the skillet with the chicken broth and milk.
What kind of cheese works best for this pasta?
The recipe recommends 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese for a creamy and slightly spicy finish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While 8 ounces of elbows pasta is suggested, you can use other small pasta shapes like penne or shells, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, you should use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes that has been drained before adding it to the skillet.
What liquids are used to cook the pasta?
The pasta is cooked in a combination of 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
After the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the cheese on top, and cover it for about 2 minutes to let it melt.
What aromatics are used in the base of the dish?
The recipe starts with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion sautéed in olive oil.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a moderate level of heat from the smoked andouille sausage and the Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes! The recipe encourages cheese lovers to sprinkle in extra cheese for the ultimate indulgence.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil to be heated over medium-high heat.
How long should the pasta simmer?
The pasta should simmer covered for 12 to 14 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What seasonings are recommended?
The dish is seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I substitute chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water, though chicken broth provides the best depth of flavor.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, because it uses a single skillet and simple steps, it is very beginner-friendly.
How do I know when the sausage is ready in the first step?
The sausage is ready when it is lightly browned and the onions are translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the recipe uses 8 ounces of pasta and nearly 13 ounces of sausage, typically serving 3-4 people.
Does this dish contain milk?
Yes, it contains 1/2 cup of milk to help create the creamy cheese sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid levels as canned tomatoes provide a specific consistency.
What should I do if the liquid is absorbed but the pasta is still hard?
You can add a small splash more of chicken broth or milk and continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes.
Is this recipe categorized as comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, cheesy texture and savory sausage.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and pre-shredded varieties work fine.
Should the heat be high the whole time?
No, start with medium-high to brown the meat, then reduce to medium-low while the pasta simmers.
Can I substitute andouille with kielbasa?
Yes, kielbasa is a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor than the spicy andouille.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using kosher salt to taste.
Do I need to stir the pasta while it simmers?
It is helpful to stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom, though it should mostly simmer covered.
What does 'al dente' mean for this recipe?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten.
How should I serve this dish?
Stir the melted cheese into the pasta to incorporate the gooey texture and serve hot immediately.