If you’ve been craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s quick and fuss-free, this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender pasta cooked right in a flavorful tomato and broth base, mingling with savory Italian sausage and a dreamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. This all-in-one skillet dinner bursts with bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you want a soul-satisfying meal without the mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful showcase of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dish. Each component plays its role perfectly—olive oil for richness, Italian sausage for depth and spice, and a blend of cheeses for that luscious creaminess you’ll crave. The seasoning and fresh garlic add vibrant aromatic notes, while the broth and diced tomatoes ensure the pasta is infused with flavor as it cooks.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base and helps brown the sausage evenly for rich flavor.
- Italian sausage: Adds savory, mildly spicy notes and protein to the dish.
- Small onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and soft texture after sautéing.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the recipe with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that livens up the dish without overwhelming it.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that enhances the pasta’s Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Introduce a fresh, tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides the liquid for cooking pasta and deepens the overall taste.
- Uncooked pasta (12 ounces): The hearty base that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds indulgent creaminess for a luscious sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts smoothly to create a gooey, irresistible texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers sharpness and depth to the cheesy sauce.
- Fresh basil (optional): For a bright herbal finish and pretty presentation.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the Italian sausage next lets it release its wonderful fats and infuses the oil with flavor. Cooking the sausage until nicely browned not only builds that savory base but also brings out a satisfying texture. Breaking it up as it cooks ensures that every bite will have perfectly seasoned meat bits.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is cooked, scoop it out to keep warm. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion to soften in those flavorful pan drippings. After a few minutes, add the minced garlic and cook just long enough to awaken its fragrance without burning it. These aromatics create a fragrant foundation that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to toast briefly. This step intensifies the spices, releasing their full aromas and layering complexity into the sauce. Pouring in the diced tomatoes with their juices adds vibrant color and a mild tang that balances the richness wonderfully.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Pasta
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked pasta, stir well, and make sure all the strands are submerged. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook right in the flavorful liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This method lets the pasta absorb tons of savory goodness, making each bite deeply satisfying.
Step 5: Bring It All Together with Cheese and Cream
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, reduce the heat and stir the browned sausage back in. Then, pour in the heavy cream and watch the sauce transform into a rich, velvety coating. Toss in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses next, folding until melted and smooth. This cheesy finish is what makes the dish irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
Step 6: Final Touches
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference. Let the pot sit off the heat for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a delicious herbal pop and a beautiful touch of color.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds bright, slightly peppery notes and a pop of green that makes the dish visually inviting. You could also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for richness and shine. A few cherry tomatoes or a handful of chopped parsley add freshness and make your plate look like a work of art.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, hearty pasta stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables. Steamed broccoli or a plate of sautéed spinach also complement the dish by adding a bit of lightness and a fresh counterpart to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe straight from the pot makes for a casual, comforting vibe that’s perfect for family dinners. For more formal gatherings, you can dish it out individually into pasta bowls, and add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and basil leaves for a restaurant-style flair. Alternatively, use a cast iron skillet for cooking and serving to enhance the rustic presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. Because of the creamy sauce, it’s normal for the pasta to absorb more liquid overnight, so you might notice it thickens—it reheats beautifully with a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to a perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months if you want a make-ahead option for busy days. It’s best to freeze it plain (without fresh garnishes) in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra liquid, stirring often to prevent sticking or drying out.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a bit of water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently until everything is heated through and creamy again. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as the sauce can separate or dry out unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives the recipe its signature flavor, you can swap it for spicy chorizo, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your preferences. Just keep in mind the seasoning and spice level might change slightly.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
This recipe uses uncooked pasta cooked right in the pot, so medium shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly. Avoid super thin pasta that might get mushy or very large shapes that may not cook fully in the time allotted.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild bit of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Omit or reduce the flakes for a gentler flavor, or add more if you crave a bit more kick. The creamy cheese also tempers the heat for a balanced taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, try swapping the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, smoked tofu, or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich and savory.
How long does it take to make?
From start to finish, this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe takes about 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s a fantastic recipe for quick weeknight dinners that still feel indulgent and special.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for anyone who loves a creamy, cheesy meal with bold Italian flavors and minimal cleanup. It’s easy enough for busy days but special enough to feel like a celebration of simple ingredients done right. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it a new family favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one pot cheesy sausage pasta recipe that combines Italian sausage, tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce for an easy and hearty meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook sausage: Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove sausage: Take the cooked sausage out of the pot and set aside to use later.
- Sauté onion: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, absorbing flavors left from the sausage.
- Add garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds while stirring to avoid burning and release aroma.
- Toast spices: Stir in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine with the aromatics.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add pasta: Once simmering, add uncooked pasta and stir to ensure pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Return sausage: Lower heat to low and stir the cooked sausage back into the pot, combining evenly.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream completely to create a creamy sauce base.
- Add cheeses: Mix in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if necessary to balance flavors.
- Let thicken: Remove from heat and let the pasta sit a few minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven for even cooking and enough room to stir the pasta.
- Italian sausage can be spicy or mild depending on preference.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half and half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stove or microwave.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a nice fresh herbal note.
- Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
