Description
A hearty, one-skillet American pasta dish with beef or turkey smoked sausage, sweet honey BBQ flavor, and creamy cheese. Cooked in under 35 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of savory sausage, caramelized veggies, and rich sauce make it a family-friendly comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound smoked sausage (beef or turkey)
1 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
1/2 cup diced green pepper
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken stock
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 (4 oz) can green chilis
2 1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded colby jack cheese (or mozzarella/cheddar blend)
Instructions
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat
Add butter, sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, and green pepper
Cook sausage to brown, stirring occasionally (6-8 minutes)
Add garlic, salt, and black pepper; cook 1 minute
Pour in chicken stock, diced tomatoes, green chilis, and pasta
Bring to boil, then reduce to medium heat; simmer 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender
Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until sauce thickens
Adjust seasoning and serve immediately
Notes
Use unsalted butter to control sodium
Beef or turkey sausage is essential (no pork)
Red/orange bell peppers add sweetness
Green chilis can be omitted or replaced with mild canned chilis
Cheese alternatives: mozzarella or cheddar blend
Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in fridge
For lower fat, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Method: Stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg