If you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that magically comes together in just one pot, then you’re going to adore this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella cheese, all cooked together to create a harmonious dish bursting with taste. The best part is how effortless it is—minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—from the meaty bite of Italian sausage to the subtle sweetness of tomato paste and sugar, to the comforting stretch of melted mozzarella. Every element adds depth, texture, or color, making sure every mouthful is a celebration of Italian-inspired flavors.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Choose your favorite mix of sweet or spicy for a bold protein-packed base.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and that soulful Italian kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savoriness without any chopping hassle.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes with a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like things with a little zing.
- 3 cups beef broth: Builds a rich, flavorful cooking liquid.
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce with fresh tomato taste and texture.
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the saucy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts into a creamy finish that pulls everything together.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential to season and brighten all the flavors.
- For serving: Freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley and/or basil (optional, to taste) for an extra burst of freshness and cheesy delight.
How to Make One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by adding your Italian sausage meat to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Let it brown nicely while you break it apart with your spoon, allowing all those rich spices to release their flavor. This step takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat so the dish stays perfectly balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Build the Base with Tomato Paste and Garlic
Next, stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook them together for about a minute until everything is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This step is crucial for developing that deep, robust tomato flavor that forms the foundation of the sauce.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Now, toss in the onion powder, sugar, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These seasonings round out the flavor profile with a wonderful aromatic depth and hint of sweetness, plus a little heat for those who like it spicy.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Turn the heat to high to bring the mixture to a rolling boil—this step gets the sauce bubbling and ready for the pasta to join the party.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the pot. Let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might need to adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer—medium or medium-low is perfect. This is the magic moment where the pasta cooks in the flavorful sauce, soaking up all those delicious juices!
Step 6: Melt the Mozzarella
After the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then cover with a lid for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the sauce to thicken further, creating that cozy, cheesy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 7: Final Toss and Seasoning
Gently toss the pasta so the melted mozzarella incorporates throughout. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is your moment to make the dish your own with a perfect balance of flavors before plating.
How to Serve One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance and freshness, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and scatter chopped parsley or basil over your servings. These garnishes not only add vibrant color but also a bright herbal contrast that lifts the dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta is so hearty on its own, but if you want a little something extra, a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread is a perfect match. The refreshing crunch balances the creamy, saucy pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls and top with a basil leaf or drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil to make it look restaurant-worthy. You can even stuff the pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers or bake it in ramekins with extra cheese for an exciting presentation twist that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta tastes great reheated and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it arguably even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed—just cool it completely first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to keep the cheese creamy and prevent sticking. Microwaving in short bursts with stirring works well too.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using turkey or chicken sausage will lighten up the dish. Just aim for well-seasoned sausage to keep that flavorful punch.
Is it necessary to drain the sausage fat?
Draining excess fat helps prevent the dish from becoming greasy, but if you prefer a richer sauce, you can leave a bit in for more flavor. Just be mindful not to overload it.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, though spaghetti works best because it cooks evenly in the sauce. Feel free to experiment with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, but adjust cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes, just crush them gently by hand or with a spoon as they cook. The texture will be slightly chunkier but still delicious.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Adding a dash of hot sauce when serving also works wonders.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is pure comfort food magic—easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night you want something satisfying without the fuss. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do. Once you taste that cheesy, saucy goodness all made in one pot, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals that friends and family ask for over and over again!
Print
One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and convenient meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender spaghetti, and a rich tomato-based sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a satisfying blend of Italian flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley and/or basil, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Add the Italian sausage meat to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with your spoon as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add tomato paste and garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic into the browned sausage and cook together for 1 minute to build flavor.
- Season the sauce: Mix in the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the sausage mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Add liquids and bring to a boil: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook the pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked spaghetti directly to the pot. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer (medium to medium-low) so it bubbles gently, not vigorously.
- Finish with cheese: Turn off the burner but leave the pot on the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and cover the pot with a lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken as more liquid absorbs.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss the pasta to incorporate the melted mozzarella evenly. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference.
- If the pasta seems too dry before the cooking time is up, add a little extra broth or water as needed.
- Keeping a gentle simmer during pasta cooking prevents it from sticking or boiling over.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the mozzarella and parmesan or use suitable substitutes.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness, but are optional.
