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Busy weeknights just got easier with this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta! Loaded with rich, comforting flavors and ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for when you need a quick, satisfying, home-cooked meal. Less stress, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy dinner with your family!
This is one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you prefer spicy, mild, or sweet Italian sausage, you can make it your own. Plus, everything cooks together in one pot, so the pasta soaks up all those incredible flavors for a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but didn’t!
If you love easy one pot meals, be sure to check out my One-Pot Goulash and Lemon Chicken with Orzo for more weeknight dinner inspiration!
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Italian Sausage – I use mild ground Italian sausage, but hot or sweet works just as well. You can also use sliced Italian sausage links if that’s what you have on hand.
- Crushed Tomatoes – Creates a rich, simple sauce. You can swap with tomato sauce or your favorite pasta sauce if desired.
- Pasta – Short pasta with crevices (like penne or casarecce) works best to hold onto the sauce, but any type will do!
- Fresh Basil – Adds the best flavor, but if you’re out, dried basil or Italian seasoning will also work.
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How To Make One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
From the stove to your table with just a few simple ingredients!
STEP 1
In a large pot with a lid, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart as it browns.
STEP 2
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Simmer for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
STEP 3
Stir in the water and 12 ounces of pasta. Bring to a boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 6-8 minutes.
STEP 4
Uncover, stir, and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remove from heat and stir in shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even ground beef for a different twist.
Yes, you can replace the crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce. Keep in mind the tomato sauce will create a thinner sauce. You may want to add some diced tomatoes. Or use your favorite chunky pasta sauce.
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One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
Busy weeknights just got easier with this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta! It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for the whole family.
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Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large pot with a lid, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart as it browns.
-
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Simmer for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
-
Stir in the water and 12 ounces of pasta. Bring to a boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 6-8 minutes.
Every minute or two remove the lid and stir to prevent sticking. -
Uncover, stir, and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!
If you would like a thinner sauce, add a little more water after removing the lid.
Note
- Use mild, hot, or sweet Italian sausage (ground or sliced links).
- Crushed tomatoes create a rich sauce, but tomato or pasta sauce works too.
- Short pasta like penne or casarecce holds sauce best, but any will do.
- For fresh basil, swap with dried basil or Italian seasoning if needed.