If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug, this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightfully simple dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender spaghetti, and a rich, tomatoey sauce all cooked together in one pot for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight meal or wanting to impress friends with something hearty and comforting, this recipe delivers that classic Italian taste with a fuss-free process that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward and bold ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role: the Italian sausage brings savory depth, the spices layer in that iconic Italian flavor, and the combination of broth and crushed tomatoes creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Italian sausage (16 ounces): Your main protein, rich and flavorful, choose sweet or spicy based on your preference.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Aromatic and essential for authentic Italian taste.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweet and savory notes without the texture of fresh onions.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Cuts acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic herb that deepens the Italian flavor profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (a pinch, optional): For those who love a little heat in their meal.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Essential liquid that helps cook the pasta while enriching the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 15 ounces): Provides the sauce’s body and fresh tomato brightness.
- Uncooked spaghetti (8 ounces): The perfect pasta to soak up all those vibrant flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Gives the dish a melty, creamy finish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): To season perfectly.
- Optional toppings: Freshly grated parmesan, chopped parsley, or basil for that fresh finishing touch.
How to Make One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small chunks with your spoon. Let it cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Draining the excess fat here is key to avoid greasiness and keep the sauce balanced.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once your sausage is browned, stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Let this mixture cook for about a minute to bring out the rich aroma and deepen the sauce’s flavors before adding any liquids.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, and if you like a little kick, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir these spices into the meat and tomato paste mixture, letting them toast slightly to enhance their flavors.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and canned crushed tomatoes with all their juices. Crank the heat up to high to bring everything to a boil. This combination forms the luscious, flavorful base for your pasta to cook in.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add the uncooked spaghetti right into the pot. Let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. Keep an eye on the heat—you want a steady simmer, not a wild boil. Lower the heat as needed to maintain that gentle bubbling, which helps the pasta cook perfectly while absorbing all that incredible sauce.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Turn off the burner but leave the pot on the stove. Scatter the shredded mozzarella on top and cover the pot with the lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the cheese melts softly and the sauce thickens slightly as some of the liquid absorbs into the pasta.
Step 7: Final Touches
Give everything a gentle stir so the mozzarella is fully incorporated into the pasta and sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it up with freshly grated parmesan and your choice of fresh basil or parsley for a truly authentic and fresh finish to your delicious One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the sausage perfectly. Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the whole dish. Don’t be shy with these garnishes—they really bring the plate to life.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a hearty dish all on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread is the perfect choice. The bread is great for mopping up any leftover sauce, and the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy, family-style feel. If you’re entertaining, try individual pasta nests on plates with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a fresh herb garnish to impress your guests while keeping it casual and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken after chilling, so a quick stir while reheating often brings back its lovely saucy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To keep the best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce together, but hold off on adding cheese if possible—mozzarella can sometimes become grainy after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to help the mozzarella meld back into the dish and avoid sticking or burning. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring along the way.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds an authentic flavor, you can substitute with spicy chorizo, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the seasoning to complement your choice.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the pot?
Nope! One of the best things about this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is that the spaghetti cooks directly in the sauce and broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or fresh chopped jalapeños for added heat.
Is this dish suitable for freezing and meal prep?
Definitely. It freezes well, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Just freeze without cheese if possible and add fresh mozzarella when reheating for the best texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks in the broth and sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how comfort food can be both simple and sensational. It’s a dish that feels like home with every bite, packed with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella that will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and 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
One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender spaghetti, and a rich tomato-based sauce with melted mozzarella cheese. Cooked entirely in one pot, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and offers a delightful balance of spices and creamy cheese.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 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)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 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, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pot.
- Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for one minute to develop their flavors.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), mixing well to combine.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked spaghetti. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer, ensuring the sauce bubbles steadily but doesn’t boil too vigorously.
- Melt the Cheese: Turn off the burner but leave the pot on the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover with a lid, and let sit for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Gently toss the pasta to incorporate the melted mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve with freshly grated parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use a good quality Italian sausage for best flavor; spicy or sweet varieties both work depending on your taste.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- If the sauce is too thick before adding the pasta, add a little more beef broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage and low-fat mozzarella.
