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Creamy Sausage Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner

This Creamy Sausage Pasta is rich, flavorful, and made in just one pot! A quick & easy weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

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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

1. Cook the Sausage

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.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

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.

3. Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning

3️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.

4. Add Pasta and Broth

4️⃣ Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it is evenly submerged in liquid. Bring to a simmer.

5. Cook Until Pasta is Tender

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.

6. Make It Creamy

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.

7. Add Spinach and Serve

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.