One Pot Sausage Pasta

One Pot Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal made with minimal fuss. Featuring flavorful sausage, tender pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce, everything cooks together in one pot—meaning easy prep, quick cleanup, and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Everything cooks in one pot – Less cleanup, more convenience.
• Hearty and filling – Perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping.
• Ready in 30 minutes – Ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable – Use your favorite type of sausage, pasta, and add-ins.
• Crowd-pleaser – Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Stir in diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then add the uncooked pasta, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
6. Stir in heavy cream and cheeses until melted and creamy.
7. Let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Go creamy: Add more cream or a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Veggie-packed: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during cooking.
• Different meats: Try ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo.
• Cheese swap: Use shredded cheddar or provolone for a new flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use spicy, sweet, smoked, or even chicken or turkey sausage.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best for even cooking and easy mixing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and adds better flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can skip the cream and cheese or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How do I thin the sauce if it gets too thick?

Add a splash of broth, milk, or water while reheating to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze One Pot Sausage Pasta?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, but check the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can require different cooking times.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it all cooks together in one pot.

Conclusion

One Pot Sausage Pasta is a simple yet delicious meal that brings big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or looking for a cozy dish to prep ahead, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to in your weekly rotation.

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