Hearty, cheesy, and full of smoky flavor — this creamy beef sausage pasta brings the comfort food vibes in under 30 minutes. One pan, zero stress, maximum flavor. Think golden sausage, velvety cheddar sauce, and bowtie pasta all coated in a creamy, slightly smoky tomato-pepper blend.
This is the kind of weeknight dinner that hits every craving — rich, savory, a little tangy, and cheesy in all the right ways. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze (aka more time for seconds).
Serve it up bubbling hot straight from the pan, topped with fresh parsley and that oh yes moment when the melted cheese stretches on the spoon.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥩 Smoked beef sausage = instant depth and bold flavor
🧀 Creamy cheddar sauce with just the right spice
🍅 Roasted red peppers & tomatoes keep it bright and balanced
🍽️ One-pan win — easy cleanup, fast prep
🎉 Feeds a crowd or saves beautifully for leftovers
🕒 Time & Serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Calories per Serving: ~520 kcal (estimated)
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz smoked beef sausage, sliced into rounds
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the Pasta
Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3️⃣ Brown the Sausage
Add beef sausage slices to the skillet. Cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
4️⃣ Add Veggies
Stir in diced tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Let it all cook together for 2–3 minutes.
5️⃣ Build the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
6️⃣ Mix in Pasta + Cheese
Fold in the cooked bowtie pasta. Add cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until melted and creamy.
7️⃣ Season & Simmer
Add paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer 3–5 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8️⃣ Finish & Serve
Top with chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Up to 4 days
Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
Freezer: Best eaten fresh — sauce may separate if frozen
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells all work great — just cook until al dente.
Q: Can I use another sausage type?
A: Absolutely — try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or spicy andouille for a kick.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese, though the sauce may be thinner.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Totally! It’s cheesy, mild, and full of familiar flavors.
📝 Final Thoughts
This creamy skillet pasta hits that perfect weeknight sweet spot — flavorful, fast, and satisfying. With smoky beef sausage, melty cheddar, and bowtie pasta all bathed in a rich, colorful sauce, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Serve it hot, scoop it big, and enjoy every bite.
