If you’re looking for a comforting meal that brings together rich flavors with minimal fuss, this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy Italian sausage, tender pasta, and tangy tomato sauce all cooked together in one pot for an easy, hearty dinner that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want to serve a satisfying, flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of ingredients that create a vibrant and hearty dish. Each item is essential, adding layers of taste, texture, and color that make every bite a delight.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star protein that adds rich, savory depth and a bit of spice if you like.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its iconic warm and aromatic flavor.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings freshness and a slight tang, boosting the sauce’s texture.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy base that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar), uncooked: The hearty vehicle that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a hint of herbaceous warmth in every spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the sausage perfectly with its earthy notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): A savory finish for extra richness and a slight salty bite.
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, then add the Italian sausage pieces. Let them brown nicely on all sides, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly and develop that irresistible caramelization. This step builds the foundation of flavor that carries through the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the same pot. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent while the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This elevates the sauce with natural sweetness and aromatic notes that pair perfectly with the sausage.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, and vegetable broth all at once. Then sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so that the pasta is evenly submerged in the sauce mixture and all the ingredients start melding together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then turn down the heat to medium-low and cover it with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During this time, the pasta absorbs the flavorful liquid and cooks through, while the sauce thickens into a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is ready to delight! Scoop it into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that satisfying finish.
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this hearty meal, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Adding Parmesan cheese at serving time brings a lovely salty depth that melts perfectly into the warm pasta, making each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This pasta is wonderfully filling on its own, but you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to add a crunchy contrast. Roasted vegetables also pair beautifully if you want to sneak extra nutrients onto your plate without any fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of olive oil and maybe a few chili flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat. You could even transfer leftovers into small casserole dishes, sprinkle with cheese, and crisp under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust that kids and adults will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an easy and delicious option for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save time down the road, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight if possible. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce if it seems too thick. This way, it tastes just as wonderful as the day it was made.
FAQs
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, works best because of its rich seasoning and fat content which adds flavor to the pasta. You can customize the heat level based on your preference.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta that holds up well to simmering in sauce are all great choices. Avoid very delicate pastas that might mush easily.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for texture. Just use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
Nope! That’s the beauty of this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe — the pasta cooks right in the sauce and broth, absorbing fantastic flavors and saving you cleanup time.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat as needed. Keep in mind that pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a touch of broth or water when reheating to maintain the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish you can throw together so easily yet delivers layers of deliciousness with every bite. This One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation because it’s straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try and enjoy the ease of a one-pot meal that tastes like a special occasion!
Print
One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one-pot sausage pasta is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers ease of preparation and a comforting taste with Italian herbs, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and cut into ½-inch pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Pasta and Broth
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar), uncooked
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through. Break them apart as they cook to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, releasing their flavors into the sausage mixture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent clumping or sticking to the pot.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a richer flavor if not restricting to vegetarian broth.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
