If you’re craving a comforting meal that comes together without a mountain of dishes, this One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce with just the right kick from Italian sausage – all cooked in one pot to save time and make cleanup a breeze. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive but effortless dish for guests. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this cozy classic in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish’s perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Luckily, this recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and fresh touches that each play a vital role in making this pasta sing.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: The star protein that brings savory depth and a little heat to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and tender crunch after sautéing.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth that infuses the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that keeps the sauce light and savory.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without feeling heavy.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best): The perfect shape for holding onto the sauce and sausage bits.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: For that sharp, nutty finish that brings everything together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herb notes that amplify the Italian flavors.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Kicks up the heat just a little—feel free to skip if you prefer mild.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup spinach or kale, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms or bell peppers, fresh basil or parsley for garnish — these add freshness, texture, and vibrant color.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your pot or deep skillet over medium heat and adding the sausage, broken into small pieces as it cooks. Browning it well builds the rich foundation of flavor you want. Once browned, skim off any excess grease so your sauce won’t be too oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant — this quick step lifts the whole dish with its aromatic presence.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all the browned bits and create a savory, silky base for the pasta.
Step 4: Mix in Pasta and Seasonings
Add the uncooked pasta straight into the pot along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the magic begins as the pasta will cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened up nicely to coat each piece beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the creamy sauce, adding that signature richness and depth.
Step 7: Add Greens and Adjust Seasoning
If you’re using spinach or kale, fold it in now and let it wilt in the warmth of the pasta. Give everything a final taste and tweak the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley are a must to sprinkle on top—they brighten the dish and add a lovely pop of color. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts either for an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread makes the meal even more special. Something crunchy alongside creamy pasta is a great way to balance textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a swirl of extra cream or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also add toasted pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes on top to give it an unexpected twist of texture and flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so it might look a bit dry at first.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but for best texture, freeze it separately from any fresh greens or delicate garnishes. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive that luscious creaminess.
Reheating
When warming up leftovers, add a little milk, cream, or broth and stir over low heat to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the pasta. This really helps bring back that comforting, freshly-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter take. Just make sure to use seasoned varieties to maintain flavor.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is completely up to you. The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can leave them out or increase for more spice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika to mimic that smoky, savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate but with the ease that busy days demand. It’s a keeper for anyone looking to combine bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss and maximum joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—happy cooking!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage with a rich, creamy sauce and tender pasta, all cooked together in one pot for an easy cleanup. Ready in about 30 minutes, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and light, making it an ideal weeknight dinner packed with hearty goodness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Mushrooms or bell peppers
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly. Drain excess grease if necessary to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
- Cook onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients thoroughly in the pot.
- Add pasta and seasonings: Add the dry pasta along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything so the pasta is evenly distributed and coated with liquid and seasonings.
- Simmer until pasta is cooked: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Add greens: Fold in spinach or kale if using, allowing it to wilt naturally in the heat of the pasta and sauce.
- Final seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as necessary with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- For a richer flavor, add a knob of butter at the end before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well—simply warm with a bit of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Customize with add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- To make it spicy Cajun style, substitute Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning.
