Italian Sausage Pasta – A Cozy One-Pot Classic

Some dinners just have a way of bringing everyone to the table with a smile. This Italian Sausage Pasta is one of those recipes—hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, all made in just one pot.

Juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a silky tomato cream sauce come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, yet cozy and comforting enough to serve on a Sunday evening when the whole family gathers.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 12 oz short pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Cook the sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove excess grease if needed.
2. Add aromatics
   Stir in the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the sauce
   Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the pasta
   Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Make it creamy
   Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted and smooth. Let it rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
6. Serve & enjoy
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, then serve warm with extra parmesan if desired.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Pasta tip: Stir a few times while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• Cheese matters: Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded and adds richer flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.
• Spice control: Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat, or stick with mild for a family-friendly version.

Recipe Variations

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Veggie boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Lighter cream sauce: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dollop of Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
• Add a crisp Caesar salad or simple garden salad on the side.
• Serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like extra spice.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Pasta is comfort food at its best—creamy, hearty, and ready in one pot with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect recipe for when you need something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Gather your loved ones, scoop it into bowls, and savor the flavors of a home-cooked meal made with love.