Print

One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Print Recipe

A rich, creamy, and flavorful one pot pasta dish featuring tender Italian sausage, pasta cooked directly in a luscious creamy sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal minimizes cleanup while delivering bold, balanced flavors perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage & Aromatics

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, ground or sliced)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta & Cheese

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up ground sausage with a spoon or stirring links occasionally. This builds the rich flavor base.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, creating the savory foundation for the sauce.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle boil so the pasta can start cooking in the flavorful sauce.
  4. Simmer until tender: Reduce heat and let the pasta simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken as pasta absorbs the liquids and flavors meld.
  5. Finish with cheese and herbs: Remove from heat once pasta is tender and creamy. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Use raw pasta: Cooking pasta directly in the sauce saves time and maximizes flavor absorption.
  • Don’t rush simmering: Allow the sauce to gently bubble for perfect creaminess.
  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage for best flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for better melt and richer taste.
  • Stir frequently to prevent pasta sticking and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy sausage pasta, Italian sausage recipe, quick pasta dinner, weeknight meal, comforting pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/one-pot-creamy-italian-sausage-pasta/