The Ultimate One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Your New Weeknight Hero

There are recipes, and then there are lifesavers. The kind of dish that you stumble upon and immediately wonder how you ever managed busy weeknights without it. This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta firmly belongs in the latter category. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a promise of comfort, ease, and satisfaction, all delivered from a single pot to your dinner table in about 30 minutes.

If you’re tired of the eternal cycle of “what’s for dinner?” and dread the mountain of pans and bowls that inevitably follows, you’ve come to the right place. This guide isn’t just a recipe; it’s a deep dive into creating the most flavorful, creamy, and utterly delicious One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta you’ve ever tasted. We’ll explore the why, the how, and the countless ways you can make this dish your own.

Why This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe is a Game-Changer

Before we get to the ingredients and instructions, let’s talk about what makes this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta so special.

Minimal Cleanup: This is the headline feature. By cooking everything—sausage, pasta, sauce—in one single vessel, you’re saving yourself from a sink full of dishes. It’s a gift to your future self.
Maximum Flavor: Cooking the pasta directly in the chicken broth and the rendered fats from the sausage means every single strand of penne is infused with incredible, savory depth. No flavor is left behind in a colander or a separate pot.
Unbeatable Convenience: With a total time of 30 minutes, this recipe is designed for reality. It’s for those nights when you’re juggling homework, deadlines, and chores, but still want a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage, this is a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Gathering Your Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe, along with some insights into each component.

The Savory Base:

1 lb (450g) Italian Sausage: This is the flavor powerhouse. You can use mild or hot, depending on your spice preference. Using sausage out of its casing (or buying ground Italian sausage) allows it to brown beautifully and distribute its flavor throughout the entire dish. For a lighter version, turkey or chicken Italian sausage works wonderfully.
1 Medium Onion, diced: Yellow or white onions are perfect here. They add a sweet, aromatic foundation.
3 Cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh is best! It provides a pungent, fragrant kick that is essential to the flavor profile.

The Pasta & Cooking Liquid:

1 lb (450g) Penne Pasta: Penne is ideal because its ridges and tube shape hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is versatile. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even medium shells are excellent substitutes. Avoid very long or very delicate pasta like spaghetti or angel hair.
3 cups (710ml) Chicken Broth: This is the liquid that the pasta cooks in, so it’s crucial for flavor. Use a low-sodium broth if possible, as this gives you better control over the final seasoning.
1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) Diced Tomatoes: Do not drain! The liquid from the tomatoes is part of the cooking equation. They add a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.
1 tbsp Tomato Paste: This is our secret weapon for a richer, thicker sauce without having to simmer for hours. It adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps bind the sauce.

The Cheesy, Creamy Finish:

2 cups (200g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is what gives our One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta its iconic, stretchy, creamy texture. I highly recommend shredding your own mozzarella from a block, as pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce a bit grainy.
½ cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan introduces a sharp, salty, nutty complexity that elevates the entire dish. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is a revelation here.
1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs: A simple blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds that classic Italian-American aroma.

Seasoning & Optional Add-Ins:

Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Always season at the end, after the cheeses have been added, as the sausage, broth, and cheeses all contribute salt.
Optional: 2 cups Fresh Spinach or 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: Want to sneak in some greens? Stirring in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end lets it wilt perfectly into the hot pasta. Halved cherry tomatoes can also be added for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Follow these steps, and you are guaranteed a flawless result every single time.

Step 1: The Prep (10 minutes)
This is the “mise en place”—getting everything in its place. Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your pasta, broth, and cheeses. Having everything ready before you turn on the heat makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage (5 minutes)
Place your large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You can add a tiny splash of oil, but often the sausage will render enough of its own fat. Add the sausage (if using links, squeeze it out of the casing) and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This browning step is non-negotiable—it’s where a huge amount of flavor is developed.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics (3 minutes)
Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4: The One-Pot Magic Begins (1 minute)
This is where it all comes together. To the pot, add the dry pasta, the chicken broth, the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the tablespoon of tomato paste. Give everything a very good stir, ensuring the tomato paste is dissolved and the pasta is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.

Step 5: The Simmer (15 minutes)
Bring the pot to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will cook and absorb the liquid, and the sauce will begin to thicken. The dish is ready when the pasta is al dente (cooked but still with a slight bite) and most of the liquid has been absorbed, leaving behind a creamy, saucy consistency.

Step 6: The Grand Finale – Cheese! (2 minutes)
Turn off the heat. This is important! Adding cheese over high heat can cause it to seize up and become oily. Now, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the cheeses are completely melted and have created a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and sausage.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste your masterpiece! This is the time to add salt and pepper as needed. If you’re using fresh spinach, stir it in now—the residual heat will wilt it perfectly within a minute. Serve your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top.

Customizing Your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

The recipe above is a flawless classic, but part of the fun is making it your own.

Protein Swaps: Not a sausage fan? Try ground beef, chicken, or even meatballs. For a vegetarian version, plant-based sausage crumbles or a can of drained and rinsed lentils are fantastic.
Creamier Version: For an even richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the shredded cheeses.
Spice it Up: Use hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other veggies. Sliced mushrooms or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions. Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in at the end with the spinach.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pasta is undercooked, but the liquid is gone? Add a splash more chicken broth or water, about 1/4 cup at a time, and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender.
Sauce is too watery? Let it simmer for a few more minutes with the heat on low. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken it.
Sauce is too thick? Simply stir in a little more broth or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating Your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb moisture, so when reheating, do so gently in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the dairy-based sauce can become grainy upon thawing.

The Ultimate One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Your New Weeknight Hero

Print Recipe

Busy weeknights call for meals that are fast, flavorful, and leave minimal cleanup. This One-Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta hits all the marks! Savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in just 30 minutes. Bonus: one pot means fewer dishes to wash!

Author: alae

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450 g) penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Prep ingredients: Slice the sausage, chop the onions and garlic, and measure your pasta and liquids.
Brown the sausage: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and cook the sausage until golden brown.
Cook aromatics: Add the onions and garlic to the pan. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 12–15 minutes).
Add cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and evenly distributed.
Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using spinach, stir it in and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
Swap penne for fusilli, rotini, or even rigatoni for a fun twist.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop; you may need a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 570 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 30 g

Final Thoughts on One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

In a world filled with complicated recipes and endless cooking shows, it’s important to remember the profound satisfaction of a perfectly executed, simple dish. This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a testament to that principle. It proves that you don’t need a battery of kitchen gadgets or hours of free time to put a delicious, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal on the table.

The magic of this recipe isn’t just in its flavor—which is undeniably fantastic—but in its elegant simplicity. It respects your time, your budget, and your palate. It’s the recipe you’ll scribble down for a friend in need, the one your kids will request on a regular basis, and the one you’ll turn to after a long, exhausting day when the thought of cooking feels overwhelming.

So, the next time you’re staring into the abyss of your pantry, wondering what to make, remember this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta. It’s more than just dinner; it’s a reliable, cheesy, sausage-filled hug in a bowl. It’s the weeknight hero you’ve been searching for. Now, go grab that Dutch oven and experience the magic for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.