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One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy, hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)

Pasta and Grains

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Olive oil, for cooking (about 1 tablespoon)

Dairy and Cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Italian Sausage: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from the casings and crumble it into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
  3. Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. Serve warm directly from the pot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness when cream is added.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Stir often during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded for optimal flavor and melting quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy sausage pasta, Italian sausage recipe, quick pasta dinner, weeknight meals, creamy pasta, easy Italian dishes