The Ultimate One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Your New Weeknight Hero
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!
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, sliced
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb (450 g) penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
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3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
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1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried Italian herbs
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
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2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
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Prep ingredients: Slice the sausage, chop the onions and garlic, and measure your pasta and liquids.
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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.
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Cook aromatics: Add the onions and garlic to the pan. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
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Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well.
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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).
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Add cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and evenly distributed.
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Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using spinach, stir it in and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
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Swap penne for fusilli, rotini, or even rigatoni for a fun twist.
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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