One-Pot Pasta and Sausage Recipe
There's nothing better than a hearty, home-cooked meal that doesn't leave you with a sink full of dishes. Enter this one-pot pasta and sausage recipe—a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s warm, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food that’s also incredibly easy to whip up.
Equipment
- A large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven with a lid
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A grater
- Tongs optional
Ingredients
For the One-Pot Pasta and Sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound 450g Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 12 ounces 340g penne or your favorite short pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 can 14 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale roughly chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Liquids
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the cooked sausage and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add fresh spinach or kale, if desired, and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 500-550 kcal
- Protein: 20-25 g (from sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g (from pasta and tomatoes)
- Fat: 20-25 g (from sausage, olive oil, and heavy cream)
- Fiber: 3-5 g (from vegetables and tomatoes)
- Sugar: 4-6 g (from tomatoes and onions)
- Sodium: 900-1000 mg (varies based on broth and sausage)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.