There’s something incredibly soothing about a meal that comes together in just one pot, especially after a long day. This one pot pasta and sausage recipe fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs mingling with savory sausage. I remember the first time I made it—I was halfway through chopping onions when my phone buzzed with an unexpected call. Distracted, I almost forgot to stir the pot, but the rich scent kept pulling me back to the stove. Somewhere between the bubbling sauce and the tender pasta, it felt like the kitchen was wrapping me up in a cozy blanket, even if just for a little while.
There’s a satisfying rhythm to cooking this dish: browning sausage, softening onions, then letting everything simmer as the flavors marry. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly the kind of meal that feels like home. And yes, I might have left the parsley out once because I got distracted by that call, but honestly, it still tasted amazing.
- All cooked in one pot, which means less time cleaning and more time eating.
- Combines hearty sausage with tender pasta and a flavorful tomato sauce, so you get a complete meal in one dish.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or ingredients.
- Comforting and filling, yet flexible enough to tweak with whatever you have on hand.
If you’re worried about it being too spicy or heavy, you can always adjust the seasoning or swap in a milder sausage. It’s forgiving, like a good friend who doesn’t judge if you forget a step or two.
PrintOne Pot Pasta and Sausage
A quick and hearty one pot pasta and sausage dish that combines savory sausage, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce all cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, uncooked penne pasta, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Using a deep skillet or a Dutch oven really helps keep everything together without the mess of multiple pots. Sometimes I like to add a splash of extra broth if it looks like it’s drying out too fast, but that’s just me being cautious. For serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens it up, though I admit I’ve skipped that when I was in a rush and it still felt complete. If you want to switch things up, swapping penne for rigatoni or adding some spinach towards the end can add a little twist—though I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly, so I can’t promise perfection every time.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian? I haven’t tried it without sausage, but you could swap in a plant-based version or extra veggies for a similar hearty feel.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Is it spicy? The recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Ready to try a cozy, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug? Scroll down, save it, and get cooking tonight.