One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup, the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to steal your heart and claim a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Imagine savory Italian sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, gooey cheese, and a luscious, tomato-based sauce, all created in just one pot. This dish brings together everything you love about cozy Italian-inspired cooking, without keeping you tied to the sink scrubbing pans. It’s hearty, cheesy, and so simple to make, there’s every reason this will become a new weeknight staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is how every ingredient earns its place in the pot. Each element brings something special, from creamy richness to spicy depth, and creates layers of flavor that develop quickly yet taste like you spent all day simmering.
- Olive oil: A drizzle to start ensures the sausage browns beautifully and develops flavor right from the first step.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star of the show adds savory, meaty flavor with a hint of spice or herby sweetness—choose your favorite!
- Onion: Diced small, it melts into the sauce, offering a subtle sweetness and a gentle backbone for all the other flavors.
- Garlic: With just three cloves, you get fragrant, punchy depth that takes the entire dish up a notch.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add a juicy tang and build a classic Italian base for the sauce without any fuss.
- Tomato paste: A couple tablespoons bump up that tomato richness, making the sauce thick and robust.
- Chicken broth: More flavor than water, chicken broth both cooks the pasta and bridges all the ingredients together.
- Penne or rigatoni pasta: Choose your favorite short pasta shape that holds onto all the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Dried oregano and dried basil: Classic Italian herbs that lend earthy warmth and herby brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this is your chance to crank things up.
- Heavy cream: The secret to the silky, luscious texture that makes this pasta so craveworthy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the sauce for that irresistible, stretchy cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a nutty, salty punch right at the end for classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper: A few pinches right at the finish bring every other flavor into delicious harmony.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant sprinkle for garnish that makes your bowl extra beautiful.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and let it sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly browned and starting to crisp up. This step is your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it — a little extra browning makes a big difference!
Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is cooked, toss in the diced onion and let it sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and turning translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds longer, stirring constantly. You want to smell that gorgeous garlicky aroma without letting it burn — these simple aromatics make the dish feel almost like Nonna made it herself.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them), tomato paste, chicken broth, your uncooked pasta of choice, oregano, basil, and, if you like a kick, the red pepper flakes. Give everything a hearty stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture up to a boil — you’ll already see and smell the magic coming together.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring every now and then and checking that the pasta isn’t sticking. The pasta will absorb all those rich flavors, thickening the sauce and tying everything together. You’re aiming for tender (not mushy) pasta and a sauce that’s still a bit saucy, not dry.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Once the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has cooked down, stir in your heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy, luscious, and shiny. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the pot sit off the heat for about 5 minutes. This little pause thickens things up and makes serving even easier.
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Take your finished One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe to the next level with a light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan. Both add pops of color and a last hit of bright flavor. If you’re feeling bold, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of fresh greens dressed with lemony vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or homemade focaccia is an unbeatable match to soak up every last bit of sauce. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach work well too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta straight from the pot at the table or ladle portions into pretty pasta bowls and top each with a flourish of herbs and cheese. You can also bake the finished pasta under the broiler for a few minutes to get that irresistibly golden, bubbly cheese layer — just transfer it to an oven-safe dish before broiling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and become even more delicious, so don’t hesitate to make extra for tasty lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe actually freezes well. Just divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The creamy sauce may separate ever so slightly, but a good stir brings everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the saucy consistency. Stir often and heat until everything is hot and creamy again. Avoid boiling, as this can make the pasta too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While classic Italian sausage is traditional in the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe, feel free to swap in turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a veggie alternative for a lighter twist. Just make sure it’s flavorful and holds up to the simmering step.
Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta — just monitor the cooking time closely as it can become soft more quickly. Be sure to stir gently and adjust the liquid towards the end if needed.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Toss in a handful of baby spinach or sliced mushrooms along with the onion for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pot so everything cooks evenly.
What’s the best way to make it spicier?
For extra heat, use spicy Italian sausage and don’t skip the red pepper flakes. You can always sprinkle more on top at the end for those who love a good kick. Even a drizzle of hot sauce at the table works in a pinch!
Is it possible to make this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can make the recipe the day before, let it cool, and store it covered in the fridge. Gently reheat before serving, and add a bit of extra cream or broth if needed to freshen up the sauce. Top with fresh herbs right before bringing it to the table for a just-cooked appearance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe enough — it’s one of those rare recipes that combines maximum comfort, minimal effort, and unforgettable flavor. Next time you’re in need of an easy, soul-warming meal, give this pasta a try. I promise you’ll come back to it again and again!
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One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together easily in one pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this creamy pasta is loaded with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese, creating a comforting and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, pasta, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- This dish reheats well and makes delicious leftovers.
- Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
