Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Craving a delicious, hearty meal without a mountain of dishes? This One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is your answer! Made with simple, fresh ingredients and bursting with authentic flavor, this incredible skillet dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Introducing Your New Favorite One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
I’m thrilled to share a new, unbelievably easy one-pot meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household! This mouthwatering One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta recipe was born out of a simple desire: to create a delicious, homemade pasta dish that my kids would adore, all while keeping kitchen fuss to an absolute minimum. Inspired by their unending love for spaghetti, I tweaked the noodles and crafted a rich, from-scratch sauce that had them asking for seconds.
What makes this dish truly special? It’s made without a single jarred ingredient, allowing for superior flavor control, and the magic happens all in one skillet. This means not only is your pasta with Italian sausage dish quick and incredibly delicious, but it also promises an exceptionally easy cleanup – a dream come true for any busy home cook!
If you’re like me, you believe you can never have too many pasta recipes! Once you fall in love with this one, be sure to explore other family favorites like my Taco Pasta, the creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet, and the comforting Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet.
Why You’ll Adore This One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
This recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary game-changer for busy households. Here’s why this One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta will quickly earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation:
- Perfect for Busy Evenings: After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. This dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
- A True 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, you can have a piping hot, satisfying meal on the table in about half an hour. This speed means less waiting and more enjoying quality time with your family.
- Only One Pot for Easy Cleanup: The biggest bonus of any one-pot wonder! Cooking everything in a single skillet drastically reduces your post-dinner chores, leaving you with more time to relax.
- Explosively Flavorful: Don’t let the simplicity fool you. This pasta is packed with robust flavors from the Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a perfectly balanced homemade sauce that tastes anything but simple.
- Universally Loved by All Ages: This is a rare gem that pleases even the pickiest eaters. The combination of savory sausage, tender pasta, and cheesy tomato sauce makes it a guaranteed family favorite that everyone will look forward to.
Unlocking the Flavor in Your Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet
As I promised, this Italian sausage pasta skillet is absolutely bursting with incredible flavor. The star of the show, of course, is the Italian sausage itself. My husband, for instance, typically leans towards the hot Italian sausage, but even when I opt for the milder version (which is perfect for the kids!), he never complains. The mild sausage still offers a rich, savory base that permeates every bite of the pasta.
Beyond the sausage, we build layers of taste using foundational aromatics: a generous dose of fresh onion and garlic, which slowly caramelize and release their sweet and pungent notes. To further enhance the classic Italian profile, I incorporate a hefty tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning, a blend that typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This combination ensures a depth of flavor that belies the recipe’s simplicity. Trust me, while the process is straightforward, the resulting taste is anything but!
Key Ingredients for a Perfect One-Pot Pasta
The beauty of this recipe lies in its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so good:
- ITALIAN SAUSAGE: I typically use one pound of mild Italian sausage for this recipe. It offers a fantastic savory base without overwhelming heat, making it perfect for families. However, if you prefer a bit of a kick, feel free to swap it for hot Italian sausage. You could also use sweet Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. The key is the seasoning blend already in the sausage, which adds so much character to the dish.
- AROMATIC VEGGIES: A small, chopped onion forms the aromatic base, sautéing down to a sweet, tender foundation. Coupled with a 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes, which provides the rich, vibrant sauce, and two tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste, which deepens the umami and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- PASTA: Shell pasta is my go-to for this recipe. Its unique shape is perfect for cradling the flavorful sauce and tiny bits of sausage, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness. Other small to medium pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would also work wonderfully. Just be sure to check the cooking times and adjust accordingly.
- SEASONINGS: We layer flavor with plenty of minced garlic, adding a warm, pungent depth. A tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning brings in a classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. And for the liquid base that cooks the pasta and creates the delicious sauce, 2.5 cups of chicken broth or stock adds essential savory notes that water simply can’t match.
- CHEESE: Ah, the best part! A generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, stringy texture that makes this dish irresistible. A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty finish, elevating the overall flavor. Don’t forget extra mozzarella for sprinkling on top – because who doesn’t love more cheese?
How to Make One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta: Step-by-Step
Creating this delicious One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- COOK THE SAUSAGE & AROMATICS: In a large, deep skillet (at least 10-12 inches), begin by browning your Italian sausage with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 10 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Once browned, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- SIMMER THE SAUCE & PASTA: Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and stir in the shell pasta, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking (al dente is best!). Remember to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
- MELT IN THE CHEESES: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in both the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until they are completely melted and create a creamy, cohesive sauce. If desired, sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella over the top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Essential Tips for Your One-Pot Sausage Pasta Success
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few key tips will help ensure your One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any one-pot pasta dish, especially those with a substantial sauce. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook even after it’s removed from the heat. Aim to cook it just until it’s al dente (firm to the bite) while simmering. If it’s too soft in the pan, it will become mushy quickly as it sits.
- Manage Expectations for Leftovers: With saucier one-pot pasta dishes like this, the pasta continues to soak up the liquids, often resulting in a softer, mushier texture the next day. While still delicious, the consistency will change. If you anticipate leftovers, you might undercook the pasta slightly initially, or consider storing any leftover sauce separately from the cooked pasta if possible, and combining upon reheating for a fresher texture.
- Feel Free to Customize the Heat Level: This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your family’s preferences. My husband loves a spicy kick, but my kids do not. My solution? I prepare the dish with mild Italian sausage, and then he adds red pepper flakes to his individual serving after dishing up. This simple trick keeps everyone happy! You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process if everyone enjoys a bit of warmth.
- Stir Regularly While Simmering: To prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure it cooks evenly, give the mixture a good stir every few minutes during the simmering stage. This helps distribute the heat and moisture.
- Use a Large, Deep Skillet: The “one-pot” aspect truly shines when you have enough space. A large, deep skillet (like a 10-12 inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan with high sides) is essential to comfortably hold all the ingredients without overflow and to allow the pasta to cook properly in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
This hearty One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is quite a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a light side. A fresh, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast. Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are also excellent choices for adding more vegetables. For a truly indulgent experience, these Garlic Cheddar Biscuits are an absolute must – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce!
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible when it comes to pasta choices. While shell pasta is fantastic for holding the sauce, you can easily substitute other small to medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, rotini, farfalle (bow tie), or even elbow macaroni. I generally recommend avoiding very long, thin spaghetti-style noodles in one-pot meals, as they can sometimes clump together or get tangled during the cooking process. You can also use veggie or gluten-free pasta; just be mindful that their cooking times might vary slightly, so check for doneness sooner.
Yes, you certainly can! While Italian sausage is a key flavor component, you can adapt this one-pot pasta with other ground meats like ground beef, ground pork, or ground chicken/turkey. The main difference to remember is that Italian sausage comes pre-seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. If you opt for unseasoned ground meat, you’ll want to compensate by adding extra Italian seasoning, a pinch of fennel seeds, more garlic, and perhaps some red pepper flakes to taste, to achieve a similar depth of flavor.
Variations to Try
Get creative with your One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Add More Veggies: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or sauté diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) and zucchini along with the onion for added color and nutrients.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra rich and creamy sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan at the end.
- Boost the Spice: If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other Italian cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a smoked mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating Tips
As mentioned in the tips, one-pot pasta dishes tend to absorb more liquid as they sit, which can alter the texture. However, leftovers are still delicious!
- Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, portion out your desired amount and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, then microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet, adding a little liquid as needed.
Other Quick & Delicious Meals You May Enjoy:
- Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs, Green Beans and Potatoes
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Seafood Bisque
- Creamy Turkey and Dumpling Soup
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One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups shell pasta
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese + extra for topping if desired
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage with the onion until cooked through and onion is softened (about 10 minutes). Add in the minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, shell pasta, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender (stirring occasionally to prevent sticking).
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Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Serve immediately, topped with extra mozzarella if desired.
Notes
- Serve this with your favorite steamed veggies or a simple side salad. For an extra treat, serve with these Garlic Cheddar Biscuits.
- For spicier pasta, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to taste.
Nutrition