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
Scale
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.
