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
Scale
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.
