Description
One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a deliciously comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—all cooked in one pot! This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without a lot of cleanup. The sausage adds a rich, savory depth of flavor, while the melted cheese creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Plus, with everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Italian Sausage: The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that infuses the pasta and sauce. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
- Cheese: Mozzarella provides a melty, creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite that enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The cream adds richness and makes the sauce wonderfully smooth and velvety.
- Diced Tomatoes: The tomatoes add a bit of acidity and balance the richness of the cheese and sausage.
Instructions
Cook the Sausage:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage (removed from casings if using links) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if needed.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients and Cook the Pasta:
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and diced tomatoes with their juices. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the cheesy sausage pasta onto plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g