8 Easy Smoked Sausage Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves! Tasty & Budget-Friendly Meals!

smoked sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: pork sausage

Chicken sausage is lower in fat, while pork sausage is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while water is the most economical.

fresh parsley

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried parsley

Spinach adds nutrients, while dried parsley is more affordable.

Cut 14 oz of smoked sausage into half moons.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot.

Add the sausage to the pot and brown on each side for a couple of minutes.

Add in 1 diced yellow onion and cook for a couple of minutes.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant.

Add 24 oz of pasta sauce, 2.5 cups of chicken broth, and 12 oz of bow tie pasta to the pot.

Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper; stir well.

Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

If the liquid gets too low, add in more water or broth as needed.

Once the pasta is tender, optionally stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream for richness.

For the sausage and potatoes, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a pan.

Add 1 pound of baby red potatoes, cut into smaller pieces, and the smoked sausage.

Cook together for about 3 minutes.

Add in 1/2 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning; stir well.

Let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add in 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced yellow bell pepper, and 1 diced zucchini; stir and cover.

Cook for about 8 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork tender.

Stir in 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary