If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in one pot with minimal fuss, this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a rich, creamy, and hearty dish loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Every bite bursts with flavor and a satisfying cheesiness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy night in, this recipe nails simplicity without skimping on taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and that irresistible creamy texture. They’re all simple staples, but together they create something truly special that’s both rich and comforting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and gives the base a lovely richness.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: The star protein, full of herbs and spices to deepen the dish’s flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides just the right touch of heat to lift the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Delivers acidity and a hint of sweetness to brighten the creamy sauce.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and brings everything together.
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta: Absorbs all those delicious flavors as it cooks right in the pot.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings incredible creaminess and balances the tang of the tomatoes.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the cheesy sauce.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A pop of herbal brightness and beautiful color on top.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Adding the Italian sausage, break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the rich meaty foundation that infuses the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. These simple aromatics add so much depth to your sauce.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices, unlocking their full flavor potential.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with juices and stir to combine. Then add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce begins to come together with tang and savory richness.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once simmering, stir in your uncooked pasta. Make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite and much of the liquid has absorbed into the noodles.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat, then return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir it through the pasta. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Next, add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and silky smooth. Taste and tweak seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and let the dish rest a few minutes to thicken slightly. If you like, garnish with fresh basil before serving to add a pop of color and fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic, but chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese also work wonders. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper can add a finishing gourmet touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
Because this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe is so hearty and filling, light sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread to soak up extra sauce make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual ramekins or bowls layered with fresh herbs and a sprinkling of extra cheese. You can also turn it into a baked casserole by topping with extra mozzarella and baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more after resting, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this cheesy sausage pasta, but be aware that the creamy sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving without stirring to ensure even heating and maintain that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is perfect for flavor, you can swap in chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy chorizo depending on your taste preferences. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well since they hold the sauce nicely. But you can use any pasta you love — just make sure to check cooking time as it may vary slightly.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but it’s nicely balanced and not overwhelming. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra seasoning for depth. The cheese and creamy sauce still make it wonderfully indulgent.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Letting the pasta sit off the heat for a few minutes allows the sauce to thicken naturally. If needed, you can also simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding cheese to reduce liquid.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal. It’s got all the comfort factors you want — cheesy, creamy, and bursting with savory goodness — but without a pile of dishes to clean up. Give it a try soon, and you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again when you want dinner that feels like a warm hug.
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One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining Italian sausage, tender pasta, creamy cheeses, and a robust tomato broth, this dish comes together quickly in a single pot for minimal cleanup. The blend of spices and cheeses creates a rich and satisfying sauce that coats every bite, garnished with fresh basil for a hint of brightness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare the base for cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Cook sausage: Add Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove sausage: Transfer the cooked sausage from the pot to a plate and set aside to be added later.
- Sauté onion: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent to build flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aroma.
- Toast spices: Mix in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance flavor.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir well to combine with the aromatics and spices.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Add pasta: Once simmering, add the uncooked pasta and stir to ensure all noodles are submerged evenly in the liquid.
- Cook pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Return sausage: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked sausage back into the pot, stirring to incorporate evenly.
- Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and fully blended.
- Add cheeses: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed to balance flavors.
- Rest dish: Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot to enjoy a rich and comforting one pot meal.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage with or without casing, your preference. Remove casing if necessary.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes, or reduce for milder flavor.
- Choose a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni to hold up well in the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
