This Spicy Sausage Skillet with Rotel Tomatoes and Cream Recipe is one of those magic dishes that comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a creamy, slightly spicy, and comforting skillet meal brimming with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and the zing of Rotel tomatoes. If you’re craving a dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss, this recipe will become your go-to weeknight hero. I love how the creamy texture balances the sausage’s heat, making every bite cozy and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component enhances the dish’s flavor profile or texture beautifully while keeping things simple and achievable.
- Olive oil: This helps brown the sausage perfectly while adding a subtle fruity depth of flavor.
- Smoked sausage: Provides a smoky, savory base and the essential spicy kick.
- Dried minced onion flakes: Boosts the dish with natural sweetness and texture without the hassle of chopping fresh onions.
- Garlic powder: Adds comforting warmth and aromatic notes.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Makes the pasta tender while infusing the skillet with rich, savory goodness.
- Rotel tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chilies bring bright, tangy heat for that classic spicy flavor.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess, tempering the spice and tying everything together beautifully.
- Campanelle pasta: Or penne, these shapes capture sauce in their curves for a perfect bite every time.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors to taste.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that finishes the dish with richness.
- Thinly sliced scallions: Fresh, bright garnish that adds a nice crunch and mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Sausage Skillet with Rotel Tomatoes and Cream Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet until shimmering. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it turns lightly browned on the edges. This step not only brings out the sausage’s smoky flavor but also adds a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy pasta later on.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients and Simmer
Next, stir in the minced onion flakes and garlic powder, letting their aromas bloom for a minute. Then pour in the chicken broth, the entire can of Rotel tomatoes (juice and all), and the heavy cream. Toss in the campanelle pasta along with salt and pepper and give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and has soaked up that incredible spicy, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cheese and Broil to Perfection
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese so it melts evenly into the creamy sauce. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and scatter the sliced scallions over it. Transfer the skillet to the broiler to melt and bubble the cheese until golden and irresistible. This final broiling step takes the dish to another level of comfort food heaven!
How to Serve Spicy Sausage Skillet with Rotel Tomatoes and Cream Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, the thinly sliced scallions sprinkled on top add a fresh, mild bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy cream sauce. If you want an extra pop, try a little chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is hearty enough to serve alone, but pairing it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables will make your meal feel extra balanced and satisfying. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this Spicy Sausage Skillet with Rotel Tomatoes and Cream Recipe directly in the cast iron skillet—it keeps the dish warm and makes for a rustic, inviting presentation. You can also spoon servings into individual ramekins and sprinkle extra cheese and scallions on top for a personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when it sits, making for a lively next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this meal, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To prevent the cream and cheese from separating too much, it’s best to reheat gently or add a splash of fresh cream when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of broth or cream, stirring occasionally until hot and creamy again. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage lends a smoky depth, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust the spice level accordingly.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have campanelle?
Penne pasta is a fantastic alternative since its tubular shape catches the sauce well. Other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini would also work beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat mainly comes from the Rotel tomatoes and smoked sausage, which deliver a gentle to moderate spice level. You can adjust by choosing mild or hot Rotel, or adding a dash of hot sauce if you want more kick.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cook the sausage and sauce in a regular pan, transfer everything to a baking dish for the broil step, then finish under the broiler as directed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Spicy Sausage Skillet with Rotel Tomatoes and Cream Recipe enough—it’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers big on taste without any complicated steps. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite easy weeknight meals!
Print
Spicy Sausage Skillet with Rotel Tomatoes and Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring spicy smoked sausage simmered with campanelle pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and fresh scallions. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4″ slices
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (or penne)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- â…“ cup thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the sausage: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet until hot. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, developing a nice sear and enhancing the flavor.
- Add seasonings, liquids, and pasta then simmer: Stir in dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, low-sodium chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes, heavy cream, campanelle pasta, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
- Finish with cheese and scallions under the broiler: Remove the skillet from the stovetop heat. Stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to incorporate creaminess throughout. Then top the surface with the remaining cheese and sprinkle thinly sliced scallions over the top. Place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transition from stovetop to broiler.
- Rotel tomatoes add a subtle spicy kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
- If campanelle pasta is unavailable, penne or similar shaped pasta can be used.
- Monitor carefully under the broiler to prevent cheese from burning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
