This creamy sausage pasta is a comforting dish that’s easy to make in just one pot! Tender pasta mingles with flavorful sausage, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can switch it out with half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re dairy-free. I even sometimes use plain yogurt for a lighter touch, but remember to stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
Pasta: I recommend penne or rigatoni since they hold the sauce well. But honestly, any pasta will do! Gluten-free pasta can also work here; just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in cheddar or fontina for a different flavor. Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free substitute if you’re vegan.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked and Creamy?
Achieving the ideal creamy pasta is all about timing and technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with carefully browning the sausage. This step builds flavor!
- When you first add the chicken broth and cream, bring it to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat. This prevents the sauce from scorching.
- Add your pasta and stir. Keep an eye on it while simmering, stirring occasionally. This lets the pasta soak up all that delicious sauce!
- Finally, when you stir in the cheese, ensure the pot is off the heat or very low. This keeps it from clumping.
Following these steps helps create a lovely, creamy texture that perfectly coats the pasta. Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Sausage Pasta One-Pot Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale
- Other Basics:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious one-pot meal will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes, which is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally for even cooking!
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it’s softened, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, letting it cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
3. Combine Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together until well combined. This will become the luscious sauce for your pasta.
4. Add Pasta:
Now add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This is when the magic happens!
5. Cook Pasta:
Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, which should take around 12-15 minutes. No need to drain any pasta water here—everything stays in one pot!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and make your pasta creamy and dreamy. This is where the dish really comes together!
7. Fold in Greens and Tomatoes:
If you chose to use cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach or kale, fold them in now. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt and the tomatoes are heated through. It adds a nice color and freshness to the dish!
8. Season & Serve:
Taste your creamy pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Dive in! Your comforting dinner in a pot is ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful one-pot sausage pasta dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, including turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled plant-based sausage or even mushrooms for added texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta for up to 2 months! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure to cook them alongside the onion so they soften nicely before adding the broth and cream.
