Spicy Sausage Pasta

This was a quick weeknight meal, and we all loved it - even the kids, who don't mind spice in their meal.  I love that you throw the pasta in uncooked!

Spicy Sausage Pasta
adapted from Kevin and Amanda


1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage (I used 14 oz or so Butterball smoked turkey sausage), sliced into medallions
1/4 an onion, diced
1 can low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes w/ green chilies (mild)
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta (could also use rotini, or something similar in size)
salt & pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (I used medium)
2 green onions, thinly sliced

-Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-Add the sausage and onions and saute until browned, about 5 minutes.
-Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, and salt & pepper.  Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer about 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
-Remove skillet from heat and stir in about half the cheese.
-Transfer the pasta mixture to a casserole dish (unless your skillet is oven-safe).
-Top with the rest of the cheese and the green onions, and then broil for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.