One Pot Smoked Chicken Sausage Pasta With Chipotle Cream

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This One-Pot Smoked Chicken Sausage Pasta with Chipotle Cream is a game-changer. We’re talking smoky, savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce all cooked together in one pot. Less cleanup, maximum flavor – what’s not to love? The chipotle adds a wonderful depth and subtle heat that complements the smoked sausage beautifully. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you crave comfort food without the fuss. Get ready to experience a pasta dish that will quickly become a family favorite!

You’ll Need These Ingredients:

• 300g (10.5oz) Smoked Chicken Sausage, sliced: We’re using smoked chicken sausage as the star of the show! The smokiness is key to the overall flavor profile. Look for a good quality sausage – Andouille or a similar spicy variety works wonderfully. Slicing it allows it to render its flavorful fats into the sauce.
• 250g (9oz) Penne Pasta: Penne is our pasta of choice here because its ridges hold the creamy chipotle sauce beautifully. However, rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle would also work well.
• 1 Medium Onion, diced: A foundational aromatic! Diced onion provides a sweet and savory base for the sauce. Yellow or white onions are both suitable.
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for adding depth and complexity. Freshly minced garlic is always best for its potent flavor.
• 400g (14oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes: These provide acidity and body to the sauce. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes will add an extra layer of smoky flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine.
• 200ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates the luscious, creamy texture of the sauce. It balances the spice from the chipotle and adds richness.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Chipotle Powder OR 1 tbsp (15ml) Minced Chipotle in Adobo: This is where the magic happens! Chipotle adds a smoky heat that’s irresistible. You can use chipotle powder for a more subtle flavor, or minced chipotle in adobo for a bolder, more complex taste. If using chipotle in adobo, be mindful of the adobo sauce – it’s also flavorful!
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky notes of the sausage and chipotle. Smoked paprika adds a beautiful color and depth of flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and onion, and finishing the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor.
• ½ tsp Salt, or to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your preference.
• ¼ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and complexity. Freshly ground pepper is always best.
• 2 tbsp (15g) Grated Parmesan Cheese, optional: A classic finishing touch! Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor.
• 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and color. Flat-leaf parsley is recommended.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Smoked Chicken Sausage: You can substitute with chorizo, kielbasa, or even Italian sausage (though the flavor profile will change).
• Penne Pasta: As mentioned earlier, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle are all great alternatives.
• Heavy Cream: In a pinch, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Chipotle Powder/Minced Chipotle: If you don’t like spice, omit the chipotle altogether. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a milder heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Smoked Chicken Sausage Pasta

1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (Dutch ovens work wonderfully!) over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned. Browning the sausage develops a deeper flavor, so don’t rush this step. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. This prevents it from becoming overcooked and tough later on.
2. Build the Aromatic Base: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until translucent. This softens the onion and releases its natural sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Combine Tomatoes and Pasta: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the penne pasta to the pot. Now, this is crucial: add enough water to *just* cover the pasta – about 4 cups (960ml). Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika complements the sausage beautifully, enhancing the smoky flavor profile.
4. Cook to Al Dente: Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s al dente – firm to the bite. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the liquid. If the sauce starts to dry out before the pasta is cooked through, add a splash more water. Consistent stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
5. Create the Chipotle Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream and chipotle powder (or minced chipotle in adobo). Mix until the cream is fully incorporated and creates a smooth, lightly reddish sauce that coats the pasta. The chipotle adds a smoky heat that balances the richness of the cream.
6. Combine and Heat Through: Return the browned sausage to the pot and heat through for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This ensures the sausage is warmed through and infused with the chipotle cream sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish: Turn off the heat. Ladle the pasta into bowls, creating a glossy swirl of chipotle cream on the surface. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and a generous pinch of chopped fresh parsley. A final drizzle of olive oil adds a beautiful sheen and extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Why One-Pot Pasta Works So Well

One-pot pasta isn’t just about convenience; it’s about flavor development. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to release starch, creating a naturally creamy and emulsified sauce. This eliminates the need for a separate sauce-making process and results in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. The starch also helps the sauce cling to the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The chipotle powder (or minced chipotle in adobo) is the key to the smoky heat in this dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder or 1 teaspoon of minced chipotle. For those who like it extra spicy, feel free to add up to 1 ½ teaspoons of chipotle powder or 2 tablespoons of minced chipotle. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t easily take it away!

Sausage Variations

While smoked chicken sausage is the star of this recipe, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. Andouille sausage would add a Cajun kick, while Italian sausage (sweet or hot) would create a different flavor profile. If you’re using Italian sausage, consider adding a pinch of fennel seeds to the pot along with the onions and garlic to enhance the Italian flavors.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Texture

Achieving perfectly al dente pasta is crucial. Start checking the pasta for doneness around the 10-minute mark. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand and shape of pasta. If the pasta is still too firm, continue cooking for another minute or two, checking frequently. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can! Rotini, fusilli, or farfalle would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can make this ahead of time and reheat it. However, the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or cream when reheating.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut cream. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor of the dish.

Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy One-Pot Smoked Chicken Sausage Pasta with Chipotle Cream! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

One Pot Smoked Chicken Sausage Pasta With Chipotle Cream

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• Author: Liana Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This One-Pot Smoked Chicken Sausage Pasta with Chipotle Cream is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. Smoky sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy chipotle sauce are all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 300g (10.5oz) Smoked Chicken Sausage, sliced
• 250g (9oz) Penne Pasta
• 1 Medium Onion, diced
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 400g (14oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 200ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp (5ml) Chipotle Powder OR 1 tbsp (15ml) Minced Chipotle in Adobo
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil
• ½ tsp Salt, to taste
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp (15g) Parmesan Cheese, optional
• 2 tbsp (8g) Parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Sausage: Brown sliced sausage in olive oil for 3-4 minutes, then set aside.
2. Build Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onion until translucent (4-5 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Combine Tomatoes & Pasta: Add diced tomatoes and penne pasta to the pot, covering with about 4 cups of water. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Cook to Al Dente: Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until al dente, adding water if needed.
5. Create Chipotle Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and chipotle powder until smooth.
6. Combine & Heat Through: Return sausage to pot and heat through for 2 minutes.
7. Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan and parsley, and drizzle with olive oil.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Adjust chipotle amount to control spice level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: pasta,one pot,sausage,chipotle,smoked,chicken,easy,dinner,weeknight