Description
This one pot creamy sausage pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal. It features a rich, savory sauce clinging to every bite of pasta, all made in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It’s a comforting dish perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes with juices
- 12 oz (340 g) dried short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 3 1/2 cups (830 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until deeply browned with crisp edges. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp.
- Add olive oil if needed. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the pasta and push it down to submerge. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is glossy and lightly thickened.
- Fold in spinach until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in parsley and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, use milk instead of heavy cream. Consider adding cream cheese or simmering longer to thicken.
- Short, ridged pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best for this one pot creamy sausage pasta.
- To make ahead, undercook the pasta slightly, cool quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 kcal (estimated)
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A