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In today’s fast-paced world, dinner needs to be two things: quick and satisfying. That’s why this One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a total lifesaver for busy families, students, and anyone who wants something hearty without the hassle. It’s a complete meal with minimal ingredients and even less cleanup—because it all cooks in just one pot.
Made with flavorful pork-free Italian sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and your favorite short pasta, this dish is comforting, versatile, and easy on the wallet. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pasta recipe is guaranteed to be a repeat favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy sausage pasta:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken or turkey Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
8 oz uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 6–8 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pan.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes or until translucent.
Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute to develop flavor.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and cream. Stir to combine.
Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in uncooked pasta. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 12–14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in Cheese and Sausage
Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Let the pasta rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the sauce to settle and thicken.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One pot = less mess
✅ Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Customizable with vegetables or different cheeses
✅ Family-approved
Tips for Success
Use pork-free sausage: Chicken or turkey sausage gives all the flavor without using pork.
Avoid overcooking pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
Want it lighter? Use half-and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds incredible aroma and color to the finished dish.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-free: Substitute cream with a plant-based alternative and skip the cheese or use dairy-free versions.
Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Spicier version: Use spicy sausage or more red pepper flakes.
Different cheeses: Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese for a twist.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
Serves 4–5
Calories: ~550
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on sausage type and cream used.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes. Slice or crumble it and add it after the pasta is nearly done cooking to warm it through.
Is this dish spicy?
Only slightly, if you add red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference or skip entirely for a milder version.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal—they hold the sauce well and cook evenly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your pot is large enough to handle the volume.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. This dish holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Perfect for meal prep.
Suggested Side Dishes
Garlic bread or cheesy toast
Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
Steamed green beans
Cucumber and tomato salad with lemon juice
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor—yet easy enough for the busiest of nights. With minimal prep, no special tools, and customizable ingredients, it fits perfectly into any weekly meal plan.
So, the next time you need a fast, filling dinner that delivers on taste, grab your favorite skillet and give this recipe a try. You’ll be surprised how something so simple can taste so good.
