Oh, how the simple things can bring such joy. Picture this: a cozy kitchen on a rainy afternoon, the aroma of smoky sausage mingling with melting cheese and pasta dancing in harmony. It’s like a warm hug in a pot, and trust me, you’ll savor every bite as if it’s the first.
Steps
- Begin by chopping one yellow onion and slicing 7 oz. of smoked sausage into rounds.
- In a large skillet, add the sausage and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned, then drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onions soften, using their moisture to deglaze any browned bits on the skillet’s bottom.
- Pour in a 10 oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, 8 oz. of uncooked pasta, and 1.5 cups of chicken broth (increase to 2 cups if using regular pasta). Stir until evenly mixed.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the pasta for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the pasta cooks, shred 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and slice a green onion. When the pasta is tender and a little liquid remains, add 3 cups of fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta, cover, and let it sit on low heat until the cheese melts and becomes creamy.
- Finish by sprinkling the sliced green onions on top before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 7 oz. smoked sausage
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 8 oz. wide egg noodles
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (or 2 cups if using regular pasta)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 green onion, sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2152kcal | Carbohydrates: 192g | Protein: 92g | Fat: 112g | Sodium: 3824mg | Fiber: 16g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage in the Cheesy Sausage Pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute the smoked sausage with other types, such as Italian sausage or chicken sausage, to suit your taste preference.
- Is there an alternative to the diced tomatoes with green chiles?
- You can use regular diced tomatoes and add a small amount of chopped green chiles separately for the same effect, or simply use diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
- While Monterey Jack is preferred for its creamy melting quality, you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta. Note that the texture may vary with different cheeses.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and consider adding more vegetables or a meat substitute like plant-based sausage.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the creamiest texture, opt for Monterey Jack cheese, as it melts beautifully into the sauce. While other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella can be used, they might not deliver the same smooth finish. For best results, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded, which doesn’t melt as well.
- Customize with Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli. Sauté diced bell peppers with the onions for added flavor, or add small broccoli florets with the pasta to let them cook and soften.
- Adjust Broth for Pasta Type: If using regular pasta instead of more delicate egg noodles, increase the chicken broth to 2 cups to ensure the pasta cooks thoroughly and absorbs enough liquid.
- Use One-Pot Cooking to Simplify: Embrace the simplicity of one-pot cooking by allowing the onions’ moisture to deglaze the pan and dissolve browned bits, adding depth to the dish while minimizing cleanup.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid – A large skillet is essential for cooking the sausage, onions, and pasta together. It should have a lid to allow the pasta to simmer properly.
- Cheese Grater – If you don’t have a grater, you might need one to shred the Monterey Jack cheese for better melting.
