Description

This hearty One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Ground Italian sausage simmers with tomatoes, garlic, and creamy sauce, all cooked together with tender pasta for an easy, comforting meal. Finished with fresh spinach and basil, it’s a delicious Italian-inspired dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare in one pan.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs

1 small yellow onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Pantry Items

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
8 ounces uncooked short pasta (like penne or rotini)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Sauté Onions: Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and heavy cream. Stir in uncooked pasta, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cheese and Greens: Stir in grated Parmesan and baby spinach (if using). Continue cooking until spinach just wilts.
Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your preferred spice level.
For a vegetarian version, substitute plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.