Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet – Embark, on a tantalizing journey of flavors with this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet—a fusion of smoky sausage, creamy cheese and an array of Italian spices that dance on your taste buds. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal without the fuss this delectable dish comes together effortlessly in 20 minutes. The stars of this masterpiece include smoked sausage, delectable cheese tortellini, tangy tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to ensure every bite is pure bliss.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet—it was one hectic Wednesday evening. After enduring a long day the last thing I wanted to do was spend hours in the kitchen. Desperately searching through my pantry and fridge for inspiration it suddenly hit me. With a handful of ingredients, I managed to conjure up a dish that not only satisfied our growling stomachs but also brought smiles to our faces. My husband, skeptical about trying new things took one bite and gave me an approving nod. As, for my little one? Well, let’s just say they couldn’t get enough of the cheesiness! Since that day this recipe has become a go-to favorite in our household—saving me on busy nights.
What makes this Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet truly special?
This delightful Smoked Sausage Skillet is more, than a meal; it’s a lifesaver for busy evenings and hungry families. It can be ready in 20 minutes and requires one pan for cooking so you won’t have to spend much time cleaning up afterward. The combination of flavors is truly amazing with the smoky sausage blending with the cheese and rich tomato sauce creating a truly indulgent experience with every bite. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste buds or use whatever ingredients you have on hand making it a reliable favorite that never gets boring. Whether you’re new, to cooking or an experienced chef this skillet dish is designed to impress without causing any stress.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe?
Smoked Sausage: Choosing a high-quality smoked sausage is key to the success of this dish, as it’s the main flavor conductor. Slice it evenly to ensure each piece gets a nice caramelization, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon might seem minimal, but it’s just enough to sauté the sausage and garlic, bringing out their aromatic flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference. It infuses the oil, creating a fragrant base that elevates the entire dish.
Tomato Sauce and Paste: These tomato products work together to create a rich and hearty sauce, with the paste adding depth and the sauce providing a smooth consistency.
Italian Seasoning: A generous tablespoon of this herb blend transports your taste buds straight to Italy, adding complexity and warmth to the skillet.
Chicken Broth: The unsung hero of the dish, chicken broth adds a layer of savoriness and ensures the tortellini cooks to perfection.
Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens, transforming the sauce into a creamy dream, balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Cheese Tortellini: Opt for refrigerated tortellini for a quicker cook time. Their cheesy centers become little pockets of joy in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that perfectly rounds off the dish. Don’t be shy; a little extra for serving is always a good idea.
Steps To Make Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet:
Step 1: Alright, let’s start cooking! Get your skillet. Turn the stove, to medium-high heat. We’ll begin by searing the smoked sausage in a bit of olive oil. We want those slices to get crispy and caramelized as it enhances the flavor. Once the sausage looks perfect add in the garlic. Just give it 30 seconds; we only want to take off that edge.
Step 2: Now comes the exciting part. Let’s add all the remaining ingredients into the skillet. Tomato sauce, tomato paste, a sprinkle of seasoning, chicken broth and of course some heavy cream. Give it a stir to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Once everything is happily simmering away add in the cheese tortellini. Give it another stir. Then cover with a lid while reducing the heat to low. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the tortellini is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened up nicely.
Step 4: To finish off taste it! Does it need a touch of salt? Maybe an extra sprinkle of Parmesan? Adjust according to your preference.
Step 5: Serve it while it’s still hot with an added touch of Parmesan if you’re, in the mood, for something fancy. Like that, you’ll have a sizzling skillet filled with delightful flavorful cheese goodness.
Tip:
To bring out the potential of the Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet it’s important not to rush when browning the sausage. Make sure your skillet is well heated and give each slice of sausage room to sizzle. This searing process not only intensifies the flavor of the sausage but also creates a deliciously caramelized crust, on its surface adding an extra dimension of texture and taste to the dish. Taking time for this step can truly elevate your skillet from being good, to extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Sure! You can definitely try using a kind of sausage if you want. Use whichever type you prefer or have available. Keep in mind that it might slightly change the taste.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables to this dish is an idea. It not only adds volume, to the meal but also boosts its nutritional value. Consider adding bell peppers, onions or spinach for some flavor and goodness.
What can I serve with the Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet?
If you’re looking for side dishes to complement the Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet there are options to consider. While this dish is quite filling on its own you can pair it with a salad or serve it alongside some delicious garlic bread. These choices will perfectly accompany your adventure!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Smoked Sausage Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 8-ounces can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 c chicken broth
- ½ c heavy cream
- 1 9-ounces package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ¼ c Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by slicing 1 pound of smoked sausage into rounds that are 1/4 inch thick.
- Take a 12-inch skillet. Place it on the stove. Set the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook it until both sides are nicely browned.
- Now mince 3 cloves of garlic. Add them to the skillet. Let them cook for 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- Next, pour in an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce along, with 1 tablespoon each of tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Give everything a stir to mix well.
- To make the dish more flavorful add in 1 cup of chicken broth and half a cup of heavy cream. Stir again to combine all the ingredients.
- Carefully introduce a package of refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces) into the skillet ensuring that it is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up with a lid. Allow it to simmer for around 12 to 15 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked through.
- As a touch sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top and give everything one last stir.
- Serve this delicious skillet dish onto plates, optionally garnishing with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
