Creamy Sausage Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner
Looking for a quick and comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor? Creamy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate one-pot meal! Made with juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
The best part? This creamy pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can swap the sausage, add veggies, or make it dairy-free!
Let’s dive into this delicious one-pot Creamy Sausage Pasta and learn how to make it step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
✔️ Creamy & Flavorful – The combination of sausage, cheese, and a rich sauce creates an irresistible dish.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite type of sausage, swap the pasta, or make it lighter with dairy-free alternatives.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – This pasta reheats beautifully, so it’s great for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Sausage Pasta, you’ll need:
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (hot, mild, or sweet) – casing removed if using links
- Pasta: 12 ounces (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk)
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional for spice)
- Spinach or Kale: 1 cup, chopped (optional for added greens)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Protein Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a different take.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this dish easily, gather these kitchen essentials:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven (for even cooking)
- A wooden spoon (for stirring)
- A knife and cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
- A measuring cup and spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cook Until Pasta is Tender
Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Serve
If using spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top!
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta
✅ Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✅ Control the Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes or use mild sausage for a less spicy dish.
✅ Stir Occasionally: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
✅ Add More Creaminess: For an ultra-rich sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the Pasta: Cook just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta.
❌ Adding Cream Too Soon: Wait until the end to add cream to avoid curdling.
❌ Skipping the Sausage Browning: Properly browning the sausage adds depth to the flavor.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This Creamy Sausage Pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve with asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Stir well while warming up for the best consistency.
Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps
🔥 Spicier Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
🌱 Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or cheddar for a more decadent dish.
FAQs About Creamy Sausage Pasta
Can I use different pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best, but you can also use fettuccine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. Add a splash of liquid before reheating to prevent dryness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta, but be sure to adjust cooking times.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful meals with minimal effort. With a rich, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and savory sausage, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a winner.
Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.
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Creamy Sausage Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal made with juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
✅ 1 pound Italian sausage (hot, mild, or sweet, casing removed if using links)
✅ 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
✅ 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative like coconut milk)
✅ 2 cups chicken broth
✅ ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
✅ 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Dairy-Free Version: Use unsweetened coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Protein Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a different twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
4️⃣ Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it is evenly submerged in liquid. Bring to a simmer.
5️⃣ Cover the skillet and let pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth or water.
6️⃣ Once pasta is tender, reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and stir until fully combined. Add Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth.
7️⃣ If using spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm with extra Parmesan!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; stir well while reheating.
