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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
