If you’ve ever wished for a hearty, flavorful dinner that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum comfort, then you are going to adore this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe. It perfectly blends savory Italian sausage with tender rigatoni, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, wraps every bite in cozy deliciousness. This dish is an absolute winner for weeknight dinners, feeding a crowd without weighing you down in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish sing, and the best part is that each item plays a simple but essential role. From the rich Italian sausage that brings robust flavor to the sweet onion that adds a gentle crunch, every element contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps crisp the sausage and onions perfectly.
- Italian sausage: The star protein, offering bold, earthy flavors that make the pasta unforgettable.
- Sweet onion: Brings natural sweetness and tender texture to complement the sausage.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic depth that invigorates every bite.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with classic Italian notes.
- Coarse salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the pasta while it cooks.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness for balance.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a gentle kick in their pasta.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that tenderizes pasta while adding savory depth.
- Marinara sauce: Brings classic tomato sweetness and a touch of acidity.
- Rigatoni pasta: The perfect vessel to hold onto the creamy sauce thanks to its ridged and tubular shape.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth and silky sauce finish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and melts smoothly into the pasta.
- Fresh basil leaves: Brightens the dish with herby freshness and a burst of green color.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown Sausage and Onions
Start by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, along with the diced sweet onion. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish, where the sausage crisps up and releases those irresistible juices, while the onions soften to sweeten the mix. Once the sausage is cooked through and the onions are tender, stir in minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant to avoid any bitterness. Add dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to layer in spice and herb aromas. For a lighter sauce, drain excess grease carefully at this stage.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste
Next, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste. This little addition packs a punch, enriching the sauce with concentrated tomato flavor and helping to thicken it slightly. Carefully mix it into the sausage mixture until combined and glossy, waking up all the savory undertones in the pot.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Now pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and marinara sauce, followed by the rigatoni pasta. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover. This is where the magic of the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe happens — the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful sauce and broth, soaking up every bit of savory goodness in just 14 minutes. Be sure to stir a couple of times near the end to prevent sticking and check when the pasta reaches that perfect al dente bite.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, stir in the heavy cream, warming it through for a minute or two to create a luscious, silky sauce. Then, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced basil leaves, stirring gently until the cheese melts seamlessly and the basil releases its fragrant freshness. This final step balances creaminess with bright herbaceous notes in a way that feels like the ultimate comfort food hug.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the creamy sausage pasta into bowls. Pass around extra Parmesan cheese at the table for anyone who loves a bit more cheesy indulgence. The combination of flavors and textures here really shines best when served fresh and hot, perfect for sharing with family or friends after a busy day.
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish beyond a simple pasta dinner. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves on top adds both vibrant color and fresh flavor. For a touch of crunch, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil are fantastic options. These little details bring a touch of elegance to your comforting meal.
Side Dishes
Though the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe shines as a complete meal, pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides creates a rounded dining experience. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or Garlicky roasted green beans provide bright contrast to the creamy, rich pasta. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia are also wonderful to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive or want to turn this into a dinner party winner, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with a basil leaf and a Parmesan curl. For a rustic presentation, serve the pot family-style on the table with plenty of napkins and chilled glasses of white wine or sparkling water. It’s casual yet impressive, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, you can store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s creamy, the sauce might thicken or firm up slightly when chilled, but the flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the cream and fresh basil may change texture upon thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat your leftover One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe, warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and bring it back to a creamy, luscious consistency without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides classic flavor, you can swap in chorizo, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for different taste profiles. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What pasta shapes work best for this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Rigatoni is ideal due to its ridged surface and tubular shape, which hold the sauce well. However, penne, ziti, or even small shells work beautifully too.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure the sausage and broth used are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can brown the sausage and onions ahead and store them separately. Combine everything and cook the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent overcooking.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Fresh chopped chili peppers can also be sautéed with the sausage for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming and satisfying about a meal that comes together in one pot, and this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe truly delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this dish promises to become a beloved staple. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining Italian sausage, rigatoni pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked in one pot, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal cleanup. The dish is enhanced with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and satisfying dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed, if using links)
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta (about ¾ of a box)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 basil leaves, sliced
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Onions: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion, breaking up the sausage into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and the onion becomes tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes; mix well. Drain off excess grease from the pot.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, ensuring it is fully combined with the sausage and onions to enhance the sauce’s flavor base.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup marinara sauce, and add 12 ounces of uncooked rigatoni pasta. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir the pot, cover it with a lid, and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 14 minutes, stirring a couple of times towards the end to prevent sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and be cooked al dente.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and warm the mixture through for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced basil leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Serve the pasta portions into bowls and offer additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table to garnish as desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute rigatoni with other short pasta shapes like penne or ziti.
- Use low-fat or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish, though the consistency will vary.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
