One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

When you want a delicious, hearty dinner that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes or hours in the kitchen, One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is the answer. This dish combines savory, perfectly seasoned Italian sausage with tender pasta in a rich and creamy tomato sauce—all cooked together in one pan for ultimate convenience. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, budget-conscious families, and anyone craving comfort food without the fuss.

The best part? This recipe requires no draining or separate pots, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this one-pot wonder will quickly become a go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

• Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and effort.

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.

• Flavor-packed: Italian sausage adds robust, savory notes balanced by creamy tomato sauce.

• Family-friendly: Mild and comforting, perfect for all ages.

• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients without sacrificing taste.

• Versatile: Swap in different sausages, pasta shapes, or add veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound (450g) pork-free Italian sausage (chicken or turkey sausage works great)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sausage and Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.

2. Cook the sausage: Add the sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Building the Sauce and Cooking Pasta

4. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

5. Add pasta: Pour in the uncooked pasta and stir to submerge it in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Simmer and Finish

6. Cook pasta in sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. Return sausage to the pan: Stir the browned sausage back into the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and creamy.

Serving Suggestions

9. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh chopped basil and extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately with a side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

• Choose the right pasta: Medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work best for even cooking and sauce coating.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Stir frequently and check pasta doneness to avoid mushiness. The pasta finishes cooking in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the flavors.

• Use good-quality sausage: Since the sausage is the main flavor, pick a high-quality pork-free Italian sausage for best results.

• Adjust creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick.

• Add vegetables: Toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie boost. Add them when sautéing the onions or during the simmer stage.

Variations to Try

• Spicy sausage: Use a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

• Cheesy twist: Mix in cream cheese with the cream for an even richer sauce.

• Herb blend: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley can replace dried seasoning for brighter flavors.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check broth labels to keep this meal gluten-free.

• Vegan version: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles, use coconut cream instead of dairy, and dairy-free cheese.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish offers a balance of protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the pasta, and calcium from the cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Using lean turkey or chicken sausage cuts down on fat, and adding vegetables boosts fiber and vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. You may need to add a bit more broth to keep the sauce saucy.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. For thickness, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water during simmering.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking pasta directly in the sauce allows the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of the sausage, tomatoes, and cream, making every bite deliciously infused. The one-pot method reduces dishes and prep time, while the combination of creamy and savory elements provides that comforting feeling everyone craves.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette pairs beautifully for soaking up extra sauce.

• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add freshness and texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that doesn’t take hours or fill your sink with dirty dishes, this One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta recipe is the perfect solution. Its rich, creamy tomato sauce, hearty sausage, and tender pasta come together quickly for a family-friendly meal everyone will love. Try it tonight for a fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took all day to make.

Ready to take your weeknight dinners up a notch? This creamy sausage pasta is waiting for you—grab your skillet and get cooking!