Sausage Pasta One Pot: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Sausage Pasta One Pot: the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! Imagine tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, flavorful sauce all cooked together in a single pot. No mountains of dishes to wash, just pure culinary satisfaction. Are you ready to reclaim your evenings and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss?

One-pot pasta dishes, like this delightful Sausage Pasta One Pot, have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason! While the exact origins are debated, the concept of cooking everything together in one vessel is deeply rooted in various cultures. Think of hearty stews and peasant dishes where resourcefulness and minimizing cleanup were paramount. This modern adaptation brings that same practicality to our busy lives.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The pasta absorbs the delicious flavors of the sausage and sauce as it cooks, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. People love the creamy texture, the satisfying heartiness, and the fact that it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs to create a truly personalized meal. Get ready to experience the magic of one-pot cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Aromatics

1. First, we’re going to brown our sausage. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (removed from its casings, remember!) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so you don’t have big chunks.
2. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet – that’s where all the flavor is! If there’s an excessive amount of fat, you can drain off a little, but don’t get rid of it all.
3. Now, let’s get those aromatics going. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. We want it nice and sweet.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Building the Sauce and Cooking the Pasta

1. Time to build our sauce! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
2. Add the chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it another good stir to make sure all the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. After the sauce has simmered, add the pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little more chicken broth to ensure the pasta is covered.
5. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Check the pasta for doneness after about 15 minutes. You want it al dente – slightly firm to the bite.
6. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin after the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.

Finishing Touches and Serving

1. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the cooked Italian sausage. Make sure it’s heated through.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream will add richness and creaminess to the sauce, while the Parmesan cheese will add a salty, savory flavor. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
4. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch, too!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the onion, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Use different pasta: Penne and rotini are great choices, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add some cooked lentils or beans for protein.
• Add some greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
• Cheese it up: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy dish.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (except the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese), and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese before serving. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little broth or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.
• Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pot sausage pasta!

Conclusion:

This Sausage Pasta One Pot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor, minimizes cleanup, and is unbelievably quick to prepare. We’re talking about a hearty, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, but without all the fuss and complicated steps.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize this Sausage Pasta One Pot to your liking. Want to add more vegetables? Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Craving a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy Italian sausage. For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. The possibilities are endless!

Serving suggestions are just as flexible. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into that delicious sauce. You could also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a grilled chicken breast.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the kind of meal that everyone enjoys, and it’s so easy to make that even the most novice cook can pull it off with confidence. I’ve even taken it to potlucks, and it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear.

So, what are you waiting for? I urge you to give this Sausage Pasta One Pot recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious one-pot wonder! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it! Your feedback helps others discover this fantastic meal. I can’t wait to hear what you think!