This one pot Italian sausage pasta is a bold, comforting dinner made with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce—all cooked in a single pan. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy one-pot meal delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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.