As a busy parent, weeknight dinners can often feel like a culinary tightrope walk – balancing speed, ease, and something the whole family will actually devour. That’s where this One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta recipe has been an absolute game-changer in our household. From the moment the aroma of sizzling sausage and garlic fills the kitchen to the satisfied silence as everyone digs in, this dish is pure weeknight magic. My kids, who can sometimes be… discerning eaters, practically inhale it, and my partner and I love the rich, comforting flavors. Best of all? Clean-up is a breeze! If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free meal that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further. This recipe has quickly become a staple in our rotation, and I have a feeling it will in yours too.

Ingredients

To create this delectable One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta, you’ll need a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully in a single pot. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but using high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the dish and maximize its taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound Italian Sausage: The star of the show! You have options here. For a classic flavor, opt for sweet Italian sausage. If you prefer a bit of heat, spicy Italian sausage will add a wonderful kick. You can use sausage in casings or pre-ground sausage. If using casings, simply remove the sausage from the casings before cooking. For a healthier twist, consider using chicken or turkey Italian sausage – just be mindful that they might be leaner and require a touch more olive oil to prevent sticking.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits. It’s used to sauté the sausage and vegetables, building a flavorful base for the pasta. You can substitute with other cooking oils like avocado oil or canola oil if preferred.
1 medium Yellow Onion: Diced. Onion provides a foundational savory flavor that is essential to many Italian-inspired dishes. Yellow onions are a great all-purpose choice, but you can also use white onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
2-3 cloves Garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for adding that pungent, aromatic depth to the sauce. Don’t be shy with the garlic – it really enhances the overall flavor profile. If you’re a big garlic fan, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
1 red bell pepper: Diced. Bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Red bell peppers are slightly sweeter than green or yellow peppers, but any color will work. You can also use a mix of colors for visual appeal and a slightly more complex flavor profile.
1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained. Diced tomatoes form the base of the creamy tomato sauce and add acidity and body to the dish. Use good quality diced tomatoes – fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth of flavor, while diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano can further enhance the Italian herb profile.
1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs: This blend typically includes oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Italian herbs provide a classic Mediterranean flavor that complements the sausage and tomatoes perfectly. If you have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, adding them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor.
½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended if you like a subtle spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your preference – a pinch for a gentle warmth, or a full half teaspoon for more noticeable heat.
4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is preferred to control the salt level. The broth is the cooking liquid for the pasta and infuses it with flavor as it cooks. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative, or even a mix of chicken and vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
1 pound Pasta: Dried pasta of your choice. Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, shells, or cavatappi work exceptionally well in this recipe. These shapes have ridges and curves that help to capture the creamy sauce. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be harder to manage in a one-pot dish.
1 cup Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what gives this pasta its signature creamy richness. It creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and rich. For a richer sauce, consider using crème fraîche instead of heavy cream.
1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for adding a salty, nutty, and savory finish to the pasta. Use good quality Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the best flavor and melting consistency. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as smoothly. Pecorino Romano cheese can also be used for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the cream and cheese.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It’s a lovely garnish that complements the rich flavors of the pasta. Fresh basil is also a great alternative or addition for garnish.

Instructions

Making this One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is incredibly straightforward and efficient. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

Brown the Sausage: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings and crumbled, if necessary) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning the sausage is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Don’t drain the fat from the sausage; it adds flavor and richness to the pasta.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sautéing the vegetables after the sausage allows them to cook in the rendered sausage fat, adding even more flavor to the dish.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes and stir in the dried Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmering the tomatoes with the herbs helps to deepen their flavor and create a more cohesive sauce base.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers all the ingredients. Add the dried pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. At this point, you might need to add a little extra broth or water if the liquid level seems too low to fully cook the pasta.
Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the type and shape of pasta you use, so check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheese and warm the cream without needing to return it to the stovetop.
Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – you may need more salt, especially if you used low-sodium broth. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (if desired) and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and brands. It is calculated based on an estimated serving size of approximately 1.5 cups of pasta.

Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-750 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per serving (estimated):

Protein: 30-40g
Fat: 35-45g (primarily from sausage and heavy cream)
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 3-5g

Important Notes:

These are estimates and should be considered as a general guideline.
Using leaner sausage (like chicken or turkey sausage) and half-and-half instead of heavy cream can reduce the fat and calorie content.
Adding more vegetables will increase fiber and nutrient content while potentially slightly reducing calorie density per serving.
For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

This One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, removing sausage from casings if necessary, and gathering ingredients)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (This includes browning sausage, sautéing vegetables, simmering pasta, and finishing the sauce)
Total Time: 40-50 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a comforting and flavorful meal on the table in under an hour, with most of that time being hands-off simmering. This recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

How to Serve

One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance the dining experience with complementary side dishes and serving suggestions. Here are some ideas on how to serve and elevate this pasta dish:

Classic Garnishes:
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pasta just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
- Extra Parmesan Cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who like an extra cheesy flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit more heat, provide a small bowl of crushed red pepper flakes for sprinkling on top.
- A Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the finished pasta can add a touch of richness and enhance the flavors.
Side Dish Pairings:
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread is always a welcome accompaniment to pasta. The crispy bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider a mixed greens salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad is another excellent salad option that pairs well with Italian flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts offer a healthy and flavorful side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and adds a nice texture contrast.
- Caprese Salad: In warmer months, a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is a light and refreshing side that complements the pasta beautifully.
Wine Pairings:
- Light-bodied Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Sangiovese pairs well with the tomato-based sauce and sausage.
- Rosé Wine: A dry rosé wine is a versatile choice that complements creamy pasta dishes without being too heavy.
- Crisp White Wine: For a white wine option, consider a crisp and dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines offer acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Serving Occasions:
- Weeknight Dinners: This recipe is perfect for quick and easy weeknight meals when time is limited.
- Family Gatherings: One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that’s great for casual family gatherings or potlucks.
- Comfort Food Meal: Serve it on a cozy night in for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Casual Entertaining: It’s a great dish to serve for casual get-togethers with friends as it’s easy to make a large batch and requires minimal fuss.

Additional Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

To ensure your One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a resounding success every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

Don’t Drain the Sausage Fat (Unless Excessively Greasy): The rendered fat from the Italian sausage is packed with flavor and contributes to the overall richness of the dish. Unless you are using a very fatty sausage and there is an excessive amount of grease, avoid draining the fat after browning the sausage. This flavorful fat will sauté the vegetables and infuse the pasta with delicious savory notes. If you are concerned about excess grease, you can use a leaner sausage variety or drain off a small amount if absolutely necessary, but try to retain most of it for flavor.
Toast the Pasta (Optional, for Deeper Flavor): For an extra layer of flavor complexity, you can lightly toast the dry pasta in the skillet before adding the broth. After sautéing the vegetables, remove them from the skillet temporarily. Add the dry pasta to the skillet and toast it over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the pasta. Then, add the vegetables back to the skillet and proceed with the recipe as directed. Toasting the pasta enhances its nutty flavor and adds a subtle depth to the final dish.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: The amount of liquid (chicken broth) needed can vary slightly depending on the type of pasta, the size of your skillet, and your stovetop. Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers. If the liquid is absorbed too quickly and the pasta is still not cooked through, add a little more broth or water, about ½ cup at a time, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. You want the pasta to be cooked through and the sauce to be creamy, not dry.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: One-pot pasta dishes can sometimes lead to overcooked pasta if you’re not careful. Start checking the pasta for doneness around the 15-minute mark of simmering. You want the pasta to be cooked al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture. It’s better to slightly undercook it as it will continue to cook a bit in the residual heat when you add the cream and cheese.
Taste and Season Generously: Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish. Taste the pasta at various stages of cooking, especially after adding the tomatoes, broth, cream, and cheese. Adjust the salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember that cheese and sausage are already salty, so season in increments and taste as you go. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning to bring out all the flavors of the ingredients. A well-seasoned dish is always more satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta:

Q1: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While this recipe is fantastic with penne, rigatoni, or other short pasta shapes, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Good alternatives include rotini, shells, cavatappi, farfalle (bowties), and even orecchiette. Just ensure you use a pasta shape that is relatively sturdy and can hold up to the creamy sauce. Avoid very delicate pasta shapes like angel hair or orzo as they may become too soft in a one-pot dish. The cooking time might slightly vary depending on the type of pasta, so always check for doneness.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. To replace the sausage, you can use vegetarian Italian sausage substitutes, which are readily available in most supermarkets. Look for plant-based sausages that are specifically designed to mimic the flavor and texture of Italian sausage. Alternatively, you can omit the sausage entirely and add more vegetables to the dish. Consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost the flavor and vegetable content. When making it vegetarian, vegetable broth is a natural substitution for chicken broth.

Q3: Can I use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

A: While heavy cream provides the richest and creamiest sauce, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk as lighter alternatives. However, the sauce will be less thick and luxurious if you use milk or half-and-half. If you choose to use milk or half-and-half, you can thicken the sauce slightly by adding a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) towards the end of cooking. Stir it in and simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. Be mindful that using milk or half-and-half will result in a less creamy and more liquid sauce compared to using heavy cream.

Q4: How do I store leftovers and reheat them?

A: Leftover One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use either the stovetop or the microwave. For stovetop reheating, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of water, milk, or broth to help loosen the sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For microwave reheating, place a portion of pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of liquid if needed, and microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be aware that the creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling and reheating, so adding a little liquid can help restore its creamy consistency.

Q5: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: Freezing creamy pasta dishes is generally not recommended due to the dairy content. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed and reheated, affecting the texture and overall quality of the dish. While it is technically possible to freeze One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta, the texture may not be as desirable after thawing. If you do choose to freeze it, ensure it is completely cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the stovetop method, adding a little extra cream or milk to help restore the creamy texture. For the best quality and texture, it’s generally recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or consume leftovers within a few days of making it.

This One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta recipe is truly a weeknight winner. Its simplicity, coupled with its rich and satisfying flavors, makes it a dish that the whole family will love. From the minimal cleanup to the customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe that adapts to your needs and preferences while consistently delivering a delicious and comforting meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a pasta dish that will quickly become a new family favorite!