One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
If you’ve ever ended up with a sink full of dishes after making pasta—or a sauce that tasted flat and watery—you’re not alone. Weeknight cooking should be simple and satisfying. This one pot Italian sausage pasta delivers bold, comforting flavor with minimal cleanup, all in a single pan.
I’ve made this dish countless times on busy nights when I want something hearty but don’t want to juggle multiple pots. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the rich flavors from the Italian sausage, tomatoes, and garlic. It’s cozy, filling, and incredibly easy.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make one pot Italian sausage pasta step by step, along with tips for perfect texture, easy variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
True one-pot meal with easy cleanup
-
Bold Italian sausage flavor in every bite
-
Ready in about 30 minutes
-
Creamy, saucy, and comforting
-
Easy to customize with veggies or spice
This is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients & Prep
Main Ingredients Prep
-
Italian sausage – Mild or spicy both work. Remove casings if using links.
-
Pasta – Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for one-pot cooking.
-
Onion – Finely diced so it melts into the sauce.
Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base
-
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds depth and aroma.
-
Crushed tomatoes – Create a rich, saucy base.
-
Italian seasoning – Adds classic herb flavor.
-
Red pepper flakes (optional) – For gentle heat.
-
Salt and black pepper – Balance the sauce.
Pantry Staples
-
Olive oil – For browning the sausage.
-
Chicken or beef broth – Helps cook the pasta and build flavor.
-
Heavy cream (optional) – For a creamier finish.
-
Parmesan cheese – For serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
-
Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
-
Measure pasta and liquids so everything is ready to go.
Since this is a one pot Italian sausage pasta, timing matters.
Cooking Method (Times & Temps)
-
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
-
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
-
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
-
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
-
Stir in uncooked pasta.
-
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
-
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Doneness or Texture Check
The pasta should be al dente and the sauce thick enough to coat it. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Resting or Final Touches
Remove from heat and stir in cream if using. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not stirring occasionally – Pasta can stick to the bottom.
-
Using very thin pasta – It can overcook quickly.
-
Boiling too hard – Gentle simmer works best.
Recommended Tools
-
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Measuring cups
One good pan is all you need.
Storage & Reheating Tips
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
-
The flavors get even better the next day.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Version
-
Use hot Italian sausage
-
Add extra red pepper flakes
-
Stir in chili oil at the end
Healthy / Special Diet Option
-
Lighter: Use chicken sausage
-
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and extra broth
-
Lower fat: Skip cream and use lean sausage
Global Flavor Twist
-
Creamy Tuscan: Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
-
Italian-American: Add mozzarella and broil briefly
-
Garlic-forward: Double the garlic for bold flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve one pot Italian sausage pasta with:
-
Simple green salad
-
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
-
Roasted broccoli or zucchini
-
Sparkling water or iced tea
It’s a complete meal on its own but pairs well with veggies.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This pasta reheats well. Add a little broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
How do I fix common mistakes?
-
Pasta undercooked: Add more broth and simmer longer.
-
Too salty: Add a splash of cream or unsalted broth.
-
Too thick: Stir in liquid a little at a time.
Conclusion
This one pot Italian sausage pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s no surprise so many home cooks make this a regular in their rotation.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love a creamy one-pot chicken pasta or a simple skillet lasagna for another cozy, low-effort dinner. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2½ cups chicken or beef broth
- 12 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional, for creaminess
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add uncooked pasta and stir to submerge it in the liquid.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream if using.
- Let rest for 3–5 minutes, then serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Chicken sausage works well for a lighter option.
- Flavors deepen even more after resting.
