If you are looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together effortlessly, this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked pasta mingling with savory Italian sausage, a robust tomato-based sauce, and fragrant herbs, all made in one pot for less cleanup and maximum comfort. It’s an ideal dish that balances bold flavors with the ease of weeknight cooking, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in building the rich texture and depth of flavor that makes this dish so addictive. From the spicy or mild Italian sausage that delivers hearty protein, to the fresh aromatics like onion and garlic that awaken your senses, each component adds something special to this one-pot wonder.
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference; removing casings helps the sausage brown evenly and break apart nicely.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and soft texture, balancing the savory sausage with subtle earthiness.
- Garlic: Intense and aromatic, garlic elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Bring acidity and brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, velvety base that turns this pasta into a luscious meal.
- Pasta: Penne or fusilli are fantastic because their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable broth: Adds moisture and depth, making the pasta cook right in the flavor-packed liquid.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every bite.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty finish that takes this dish over the top when sprinkled on before serving.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces without overcrowding the pan, and let them brown nicely on all sides. This step builds a deep, savory foundation for the dish as the rendered fat infuses every bite with richness.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the same pot. Cooking them in the sausage fat helps soften the onion while releasing garlic’s fragrant oils. Stir occasionally until the onion is translucent and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Then add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Give everything a good stir to combine evenly.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring your pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. This method allows the pasta to absorb all those vibrant tomato and herb flavors while cooking perfectly through, ending with a rich, thickened sauce clinging to every bite.
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese instantly elevates it, offering a salty, nutty counterpoint that complements the tomato sauce. For a fresh twist, add chopped basil or a handful of baby spinach right at the end of cooking to introduce a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes the experience even more memorable. The crispness and acidity from these sides balance the richness of the sausage and sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl and consider serving this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets for a charming rustic touch. Alternatively, garnish with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and red pepper flakes if you love a little heat, turning a simple presentation into something special for dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next-day meal equally delicious and comforting.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta looks dry. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly without sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute increments stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian sausage for chorizo, bratwurst, or even chicken sausage, adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. Each will provide a unique flavor twist while maintaining the heartiness of the dish.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne and fusilli are excellent choices because their ridges and twists hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with rigatoni or farfalle as well; avoid very thin shapes like angel hair as they can get mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth, and perhaps add some smoky paprika for depth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to spice, choose mild Italian sausage and omit any additional red pepper flakes or spicy seasonings. Balancing with a bit more tomato sauce and cheese can also mellow out the heat.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Definitely! You can prep the sausage and vegetables ahead of time or even cook the full dish, then refrigerate. Reheat gently when ready to serve. This makes the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe a real time-saver on busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a meal that’s both simple to make and packed with bold, comforting flavors. This One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe ticks all the boxes, delivering a cozy dinner with minimal fuss and maximum taste. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how easy delicious can be!
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One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining Italian sausage, a medley of tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta simmered together in one pot, it delivers a comforting, easy-to-make dish with minimal cleanup. The rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs creates a satisfying main course that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Pasta
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar), uncooked
Broth and Herbs
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and brown the Italian sausage pieces until fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage; cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, combining everything evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Dish out the hot sausage pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your one-pot meal immediately.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preferred heat level.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious savory touch.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
