If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, I can’t recommend this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe enough. Imagine tender rigatoni pasta simmered right alongside savory Italian sausage, sweet onions, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce—all cooked in one pot! This recipe is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. It’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors to warm you up and keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the deep flavors and satisfying textures of this dish. Every item contributes something special, whether it’s the savory punch from the Italian sausage or the creamy finish from the Parmesan and heavy cream.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A tablespoon to gently brown the sausage and bring a subtle fruity richness.
- Italian sausage: One pound of savory goodness, casing removed, provides the backbone of flavor and a perfect meaty texture.
- Small sweet onion: Diced to add a gentle sweetness and soften the overall bite.
- Garlic cloves: Three minced cloves offer an irresistible aromatic depth.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Just a quarter teaspoon to infuse the sauce with classic herb flavors.
- Coarse salt and black pepper: To season everything perfectly and balance the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds a subtle kick for those who like a little spice.
- Tomato paste: A tablespoon to intensify the tomato flavor and thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Three and a half cups provide the cooking liquid that lets the pasta absorb rich tastes.
- Marinara sauce: One cup for that classic tomato base layered with savory notes.
- Uncooked rigatoni pasta: Twelve ounces that cook perfectly al dente in this one-pot wonder.
- Heavy cream: Half a cup to add luxurious creaminess that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Half a cup to bring salty, nutty warmth that melds everything together.
- Fresh basil leaves: Six leaves sliced for a final bright and fresh herbal touch.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sausage and diced onions. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to create those perfect little crumbles. Cook for about five minutes until the sausage is fully browned and the onions turn tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until you can smell that wonderful aroma, about 20 seconds. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix well, then drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Stir in the Tomato Paste
Add the tablespoon of tomato paste directly into the pot and stir it thoroughly with the sausage and onions. This step is key for building depth and richness in your sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with a robust tomato flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked rigatoni all at once. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 14 minutes, giving it a stir a couple of times near the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. During this time, the rigatoni absorbs the flavorful liquids and becomes perfectly tender but still has a bite.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through for one to two minutes to achieve a smooth, silky texture. Then, add in the freshly grated Parmesan and sliced basil leaves, folding everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce and the basil releases its fragrant oils. This final addition turns the dish into a creamy, cheesy delight with just the right pop of herbal brightness.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the pot from heat and portion the pasta into bowls. Pass around extra Parmesan cheese at the table so everyone can add as much cheesy goodness as they want. This dish is ready to enjoy immediately, piping hot and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese make perfect garnishes. You could also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for an extra layer of flavor and color that brightens the presentation.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is hearty and flavorful, pair it with light sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette or garlic bread to mop up every bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables also complement nicely without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve in shallow pasta bowls and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano. You might also offer small ramekins of crushed red pepper, grated Parmesan, and lemon zest for guests to customize their bowls. Consider plating with a swirl of basil pesto on the side for a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious if not more so!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze before adding fresh basil or cheese toppings, which can be added fresh after reheating. Frozen pasta remains good for up to 2 months and thaws nicely overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice is mild by default, but you can easily adjust it by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to bump it up if you love a kick or leave it out for a family-friendly version.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try canned coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative.
What if I can’t find Italian sausage?
Ground pork seasoned with garlic, fennel, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a good homemade substitute to mimic Italian sausage flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, just swap the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your broth and marinara sauce are also gluten-free, and you’re all set!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes whenever I crave something cozy, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s a perfect blend of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta that warms the soul and delights every palate. I guarantee once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—so grab your pot and get cooking!
Print
One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot Italian sausage pasta dish that combines savory sausage, tender rigatoni, marinara sauce, and creamy Parmesan for a quick and easy meal ready in just 25 minutes.
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 the olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the pot evenly. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion, breaking up the sausage into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Add the dried Italian seasoning, coarse salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring well to combine. Drain off excess grease from the pot.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir the tomato paste into the cooked sausage and onion mixture until it is thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked rigatoni pasta. Stir everything to combine well and bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, give it a good stir, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 14 minutes, stirring a couple of times towards the end to prevent the pasta from sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and cook to al dente.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and warm the mixture through for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced basil leaves, stirring everything to combine smoothly.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Portion the pasta into bowls and serve immediately, optionally offering additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for extra flavor.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor; feel free to substitute with spinach or parsley if preferred.
