Table of Contents
Introduction
One-Pot Pasta with Sausage is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—bold, hearty, and incredibly easy with just one pot to clean! Hey, Samuel here! This dish is a staple in my house when I want something satisfying but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes. It’s packed with juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce that simmers all together for the perfect bite every time. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top, and you’ve got comfort food that’s both fast and fabulous. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream, then add pasta and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon into bowls and top with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or a dash of chili flakes if desired.
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad on the side.
Tips & Tricks
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make It Creamier: Swap half the broth for more cream or stir in cream cheese for ultra richness.
- Leftover Love: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
This is just one example, if you want to vary your dinner table, here we have 10 Quick Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas
What to do with sausages and pasta?
Sausages and pasta pair perfectly in a variety of dishes. You can slice or crumble the sausages and cook them with onions, garlic, and peppers, then toss with your favorite pasta and sauce—like marinara, Alfredo, or a simple olive oil and herb blend. Baked pasta dishes like sausage ziti or creamy sausage penne are also popular comfort foods.
Do you take sausage out of casing for pasta?
It depends on the recipe. If you’re looking for crumbled sausage texture, like in a meat sauce or skillet pasta, remove the casing. For sliced sausage in dishes like pasta primavera or baked casseroles, leave the casing on so the sausage retains its shape.
How long to reheat sausage pasta?
To reheat sausage pasta:
– Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving, stirring halfway.
– Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
– Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Should you cook sausage before putting it in sauce?
Yes, it’s best to cook sausage before adding it to sauce. Browning the sausage first enhances its flavor and ensures it’s fully cooked. Once browned, it can simmer in the sauce to absorb more flavor and stay juicy.