There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that comes together effortlessly yet delivers an impressive punch of flavor, and that’s exactly what you get with this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender rigatoni simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce studded with savory Italian sausage and fragrant basil, all made in a single pot. It’s comfort food elevated—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homey but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines rich textures, vibrant flavors, and the ease of minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each element plays a vital role: the sausage brings hearty depth, the tomato paste adds concentrated umami, and the cream balances acidity for a luscious sauce. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe:
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides the perfect base to brown the sausage and onions without overpowering the flavors.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): Adds a robust, seasoned meat component essential for that authentic Italian taste.
- Sweet onion (1 small, diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and tender texture that complements the sausage superbly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth in just a few seconds of cooking.
- Dried Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): A balanced herb blend that enhances the sauce with traditional Italian flavors.
- Coarse salt (⅛ to ¼ teaspoon): Elevates all the ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dish’s profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (â…› teaspoon, optional): For anyone who loves a subtle kick of spice.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a rich, velvety consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 ½ cups): The liquid base for cooking the pasta while infusing the sauce with savory depth.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup): Brings that classic tangy tomato element to round out the sauce.
- Uncooked rigatoni pasta (12 ounces): Sturdy and tubular, rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully in every bite.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds a silky richness to finish the sauce with luxurious smoothness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Provides sharp, nutty flavor for a perfect cheesy hit.
- Fresh basil leaves (6, sliced): The final fresh touch that brightens and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat, swirling it around to coat the base evenly. Add the sausage and diced onions next, breaking up the sausage into small, bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook this mixture for about five minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked through and the onions have softened. The aroma at this point is already a delicious promise of the meal ahead!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 20 seconds—don’t let it burn as it cooks quickly. Then sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, coarse salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all those wonderful layers of flavor. To keep the dish from becoming greasy, carefully drain off the excess sausage fat before moving on.
Step 3: Stir in the Tomato Paste
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, stirring it thoroughly throughout the sausage and onion mixture. This will build a rich, concentrated tomato base that thickens the sauce and boosts the overall savoriness of the dish.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked rigatoni. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly submerged in the flavorful liquid. Bring the entire pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the pasta cook for about 14 minutes, stirring a couple of times near the end to prevent sticking. This is where the magic happens—the rigatoni absorbs the sauce and cooks perfectly tender yet al dente.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta has absorbed the liquid and is cooked just right, pour in the heavy cream and gently warm it through for 1 to 2 minutes. Then fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced basil leaves. Stir everything well to create a rich, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta and sausage.
How to Serve One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your serving to the next level, sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top and add a small handful of torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. Fresh cracked black pepper makes an excellent final touch that adds a subtle peppery bite.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for mopping up the sauce. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a simple sauté of spinach also bring a wonderful balance of freshness and texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe in rustic individual bowls with a sprig of basil on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, offer a small bowl of crushed red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan at the table so everyone can customize their plates. The vibrant colors and inviting aroma make this dish a delight to both eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pasta, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of pasta may soften slightly after freezing but reheating gently will help maintain a satisfying bite.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to heat evenly and prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is recommended because it holds the sauce so well, other sturdy shapes like penne or ziti will work beautifully as well.
Is it necessary to remove the sausage casings?
Yes, removing the casings allows you to crumble the sausage evenly, which helps it cook properly and mix well with the sauce for consistent flavor throughout.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep the same hearty feel, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sauté a mix of mushrooms with Italian seasoning. Adjust the cooking times slightly and proceed with the remaining steps.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture, though the sauce might be slightly lighter.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spiced with black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level easily by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer for busy cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals with minimal fuss. The incredible blend of sausage, fresh herbs, and creamy tomato sauce makes every bite a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself—it just might become your new go-to comfort dish that’s as quick to make as it is unforgettable to eat!
Print
One-Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pot Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Italian sausage is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with rigatoni pasta in a savory mix of tomato paste, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. The dish is finished with rich heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fragrant basil for a creamy, comforting pasta dish made all in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed, if using links)
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus an additional 1 tablespoon for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta (about ¾ of a box)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 6 basil leaves, sliced
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Onions: Warm 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the pot. Add the Italian sausage and diced sweet onion. Break up the sausage into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add dried Italian seasoning, coarse salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything to combine. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly to coat the sausage and onions evenly, enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked rigatoni pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients well. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the liquid mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir again, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 14 minutes, stirring a couple of times near the end to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid and is al dente.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to warm through for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring gently. Next, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced fresh basil leaves. Stir everything until combined, creating a creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Serve the pasta portions in bowls and optionally pass additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes amount or add some chopped fresh chili.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute rigatoni with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
