One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, it comes together quickly in a single pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 14 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)
• 10 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add diced tomatoes with their juices, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Incorporate uncooked pasta and chicken broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add baby spinach if using and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if preferred.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage for added heat or mild sausage if you prefer less spice.
• Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula to vary the greens.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, stir in a splash of half-and-half or milk at the end for creaminess.
• For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with any short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just adjust cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that the sausage and broth are gluten-free.

One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a delicious blend of diced tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 14 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Greens

• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)

Pasta and Liquids

• 10 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Oils

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for cooking the sausage.
2. Brown Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the hot oil, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and thoroughly cooked, developing a rich flavor base for the dish.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and depth of flavor.
4. Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
5. Add Pasta and Broth: Add the uncooked short pasta and 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to mix all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well incorporated. Add the baby spinach if desired, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted to add freshness and nutrition.
8. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if preferred for a perfect finishing touch.

Notes

• You can substitute spinach with kale or omit greens for a simpler version.
• For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten free.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely with a splash of broth or cream.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, one-pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy sausage pasta, Italian comfort food