Sausage pasta with a Kick

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Description

Some nights call for a little spice — and this Sausage Pasta with a Kick brings it in all the right ways. Made with Kountry Boys Smoked Jalapeño Pork & Beef Sausage, this one-pan pasta is bold, creamy and loaded with flavor. It’s got that smoky heat that sneaks up just right, balanced with a smooth sauce and finished with a blanket of bubbly, golden cheese fresh from the broiler.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor but light on cleanup, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect after a long day, when you want something hearty, homemade and just a little bit fiery. Around here, pasta night doesn’t have to mean plain — not when you’ve got a skillet full of sausage sizzling on the stove and the smell of jalapeño spice in the air.

Bringing the Heat, Texas-Style

This dish starts with Kountry Boys Smoked Jalapeño Sausage, and that’s where all the magic begins. The sizzle of sausage hitting a hot pan, the smoky aroma rising up — it’s enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. Slice the sausage into rounds so every piece gets that perfect caramelized edge while still holding onto its juicy bite.

As the sausage browns, the fat begins to render, mingling with diced onions and garlic to create a base that’s rich and full of depth. That sound — the soft crackle as everything cooks together — is what we call Texas music. Don’t rush this step. Let those onions soften and sweeten, and the garlic turn fragrant before you move on.

From there, the rest of the recipe practically cooks itself. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles and a splash of cream to pull everything together. The pasta goes right into the same skillet, soaking up all that smoky, spicy flavor as it simmers. You don’t even need to boil water in a separate pot — it’s an all-in-one kind of meal, the way weeknight cooking should be.

As it cooks, the sauce thickens, the pasta softens and the smell that fills the kitchen could stop traffic. It’s the kind of scent that’ll have family members poking their heads in the kitchen asking, “How much longer?”

Creamy, Cheesy, and Full of Kick

Once the pasta’s tender and the sauce has reduced into a creamy, spicy perfection, it’s time to take things up a notch. Stir in a handful of Monterey Jack cheese to melt into the sauce. That first swirl will make it rich and velvety — the kind of creamy texture that clings to every piece of pasta and sausage.

Now sprinkle the rest of the cheese right over the top and slide the skillet under the broiler. Watch closely, because this part happens fast. In just a few minutes, the cheese will melt, bubble and turn that perfect shade of golden brown. You’ll hear it sizzling as it crisps at the edges, forming little browned spots that make every bite just a little bit better.

Once it’s done, pull it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. The bubbling will slow down, and the smell of melted cheese and smoky sausage will fill the room. Sprinkle on some sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness — they balance the heat while adding a little crunch.

That first spoonful is where everything comes together: tender pasta, spicy sausage, creamy sauce and gooey cheese. It’s rich but not heavy, spicy but not overwhelming. Just the right kind of kick to remind you that this isn’t your average pasta night.

Easy Tips for a Perfect Skillet Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe — besides the flavor — is how easy it is to make. It’s all about working smart, not hard, and letting the ingredients do the heavy lifting.

• Use an oven-safe skillet. Cast iron works great here. It holds heat well and can go straight from the stove to the broiler without skipping a beat.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Keep an eye on it while it simmers. You want it tender but not mushy, since it’ll continue to cook a bit when you broil the cheese.
• Adjust the spice. Kountry Boys Jalapeño Sausage has just the right amount of heat, but if you want it milder, use our Original Smoked Sausage instead. Want more fire? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Add veggies if you’d like. Bell peppers, mushrooms or spinach fit right in without stealing the spotlight from the sausage.

And since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup’s a breeze — which means more time to sit back and enjoy a good meal.

Serving It Up Right

This Sausage Pasta with a Kick isn’t just a dinner — it’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that’s right at home on a busy weeknight or as the centerpiece for a backyard get-together. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad, and you’ve got yourself a full meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt you will), they reheat beautifully. The flavors deepen overnight, and the cheese gets even creamier the next day. A quick warm-up in the skillet or microwave, and it’s just as good as fresh.

There’s something special about a recipe that feels like comfort food but still brings a little excitement. This one does exactly that — it’s a little smoky, a little spicy and a whole lot satisfying.

So next time you’re in the mood for something that’s quick to make but full of flavor, grab a pack of Kountry Boys Jalapeño Sausage, fire up that skillet and get ready for a pasta night that packs a punch.

Looking for more ways to load up your plate? Try other favorite recipes like our Breakfast Casserole or our Pinto Beans with Sausage.