Quick & Easy One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
This one-pot Italian sausage pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that combines savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce—all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Dish
- Amount Unit Name Notes
- 1 pound Italian sausage Sweet or spicy casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 small onion Finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 cup bell peppers Diced red, yellow, or green
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes With juices
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream For creaminess
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni Uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil Chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Sausage (5 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and break it into crumbles using a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes)
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the bell peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes to soften.
- Step 3: Build the Sauce & Cook the Pasta (15 minutes)
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Add pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
- Step 4: Finish with Cheese & Basil (5 minutes)
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze without the cream and cheese, then add them when reheating for best texture.