If you’re on the lookout for a quick, comforting dinner that everyone will love (and uses just one skillet!) then you need to try this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe. It brings together juicy Italian sausage, tender pasta, fragrant garlic, and a super-creamy tomato sauce—all in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or simply craving something soul-warming, this recipe makes the entire process blissfully easy with zero flavor sacrifices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is made with simple ingredients, but each one is essential for building layers of flavor, heartiness, and irresistible texture. Here’s how every element plays a special role in turning weeknight dinner into something truly crave-worthy.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash helps brown the sausage beautifully and ties all the flavors together.
- Italian Sausage: The star of the show—use hot, sweet, or turkey sausage for your preferred kick or a lighter option.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth to the overall flavor.
- Garlic: For that unmistakable aromatic boost classic to Italian-inspired dishes.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that infuses every bite with herby goodness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Use for a gentle heat; totally up to you how spicy you’d like it.
- Uncooked Pasta: Penne or rotini are perfect for catching sauce in every swirl.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes (with juice!) bring brightness and body to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth while giving the pasta just enough liquid to cook to perfection.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to ultra-creamy, dreamy pasta sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts right in for gooey, cheesy satisfaction.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to sharpen and balance all those delicious flavors.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): For a burst of color and fresh, herby finish.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage, breaking it into small bite-sized pieces as it cooks. You want it browned, not just cooked through—this deepens the flavor and makes the base of your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe truly savory.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your sausage is golden and enticing, add the chopped onion and minced garlic straight to the pan. Sauté everything for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and, if you’re a spice fan, the red pepper flakes. These small additions infuse the sausage, onion, and garlic with even more irresistible flavor, setting the stage for an amazing sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth
Pour the uncooked pasta right into the pot, followed by the diced tomatoes (juice and all) and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir. This is where the magic happens—the pasta will cook and soak up all those incredible flavors right alongside the sausage.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid absorbed into a glossy, savory sauce.
Step 6: Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Once the pasta’s perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley or basil if you like. Your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is officially ready to make everyone at the table happy!
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe look as fabulous as it tastes, don’t skip a shower of fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or basil brightens the dish and makes each bowl pop with color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. You could also offer extra cheese at the table for those who just can’t resist!
Side Dishes
For a full, satisfying meal, pair your pasta with a big leafy green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or lay out a platter of crispy garlic bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce. For extra veggies, roast up some zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe in a rustic skillet straight from the stove for a cozy, family-style vibe, or plate it up in individual bowls with a swirl of sauce and a fresh basil leaf for an elegant spin. For casual gatherings, make it the star of a “pasta bar” with bowls of toppings like grated Parmesan, extra herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe will keep beautifully for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors just get better as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch something to genuinely look forward to!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, let the pasta cool completely first. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zipper bags. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Just know that the sauce may thicken a bit upon thawing—but a splash of broth or cream will bring it right back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
To reheat your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe, add a little bit of milk, cream, or broth to loosen up the sauce. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne or rotini work wonderfully, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli. Just keep in mind you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly so the pasta cooks perfectly.
What sausage is best for this recipe?
Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) is classic for this dish, but turkey sausage makes a tasty, lighter swap. You could even try chicken sausage or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in fresh spinach, chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms during the last five minutes of simmering. It’s an easy way to add color and nutrition to your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s your call—the red pepper flakes add gentle heat, but you can leave them out for a milder dish or pump them up for more of a kick. Using spicy sausage is another way to introduce some extra warmth.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Of course! Swap the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese. The sauce will still turn out beautifully creamy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to become one of those go-to, eagerly-requested dinners in your home. With its comforting flavors, minimal cleanup, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing goodness, there’s really no reason not to give it a whirl tonight!
Print
One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy one-pot sausage pasta that’s loaded with flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add sausage, and cook until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Season and Add Pasta: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, pasta, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, cheese, cook until melted and creamy. Season and garnish to serve.
Notes
- You can use spicy or turkey sausage for variation.
- Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
