This One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta? Oh, it’s next-level comfort food. Smoky, cheesy, and done in one pot—yes, please.
The smoked gouda melts into the creamiest sauce ever. The sausage adds that savory bite. And the pasta soaks it all up like a sponge.
It’s rich, cozy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The smoky cheese makes it feel a little fancy. I always make extra—and it still disappears fast.
Let’s make it together. One pot, no stress, and tons of creamy, smoky goodness. You’re gonna crave this one again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table asks for seconds—even picky eaters.
- Smoky & Creamy: Smoked gouda melts into the cream for a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
- One Pot Wonder: All ingredients simmer together for max flavor and easy cleanup.
- Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
- Comfort Food Classic: Hearty, satisfying, and full of cozy vibes.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings—perfect for dinner with a little leftover for lunch.
Difficulty:
Easy. No special skills or fancy tools needed—just a bit of stirring and patience.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (nonstick or enameled works best)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work best for holding the sauce)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage all work well)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, loosely packed
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
Variations for One Pot Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta
- Swap the Protein: You can substitute smoked sausage with grilled chicken, leftover ham, or even crispy bacon.
- Make it Spicier: Use spicy andouille sausage or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Go Veggie: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers instead.
- Cheese Flexibility: Smoked gouda gives a rich depth, but if unavailable, try smoked cheddar, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar.
- Greens Galore: Not a fan of spinach? Toss in kale, arugula, or chopped broccoli instead.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it begins to brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes.
Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add in the dry pasta. Stir well to ensure it doesn’t stick together. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in the Cheese and Greens
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has reduced, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded smoked gouda a handful at a time, stirring after each addition to melt it evenly.
Fold in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted—about 1-2 minutes.
4. Season and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm, straight from the pot, topped with an optional sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped herbs.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta
This dish is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out:
- With a simple side salad – Something crisp and lemony helps cut the richness.
- Crusty bread or garlic knots – Great for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted veggies – Think broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a colorful plate.
- Topped with fresh herbs – A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh finish.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Do Not Freeze: Because of the dairy, this sauce doesn’t freeze well—it tends to separate.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Shred the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and often includes anti-caking agents.
- Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven: This helps prevent spills and ensures even cooking.
- Stir frequently: Keeps the pasta from sticking and helps the sauce thicken evenly.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the broth and cream reduce slowly builds the silky texture.
- Let it rest: Just 2–3 minutes before serving lets everything settle and thicken beautifully.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~620 kcal |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~38g |
| Saturated Fat | ~18g |
| Sodium | ~880mg |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~4g |
One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta
Course: Dinners15
minutes35
minutes620
kcalIngredients
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded
1 cup fresh spinach
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sliced sausage for 4–5 minutes.
- Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in dry pasta and bring to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Lower heat and stir in shredded smoked gouda until melted.
- Fold in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Let rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm.
One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can, but it won’t be as rich. Whole milk works best if substituting.
Q: What’s the best sausage to use?
A: I love kielbasa or smoked andouille. Turkey sausage works too for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, just swap the pasta for a gluten-free version. Keep an eye on the cook time.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked gouda?
A: Use smoked cheddar or regular gouda. You’ll still get a great flavor.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Smoked Gouda Sausage Pasta has quickly become a go-to in my house. It’s easy, packed with smoky-cheesy flavor, and perfect for a cozy night in. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers for the week, this dish checks every box.
Give it a try, and I promise—you’ll be back for seconds.