Are you ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as comforting as it is convenient? Allow me to introduce you to my beloved One Pot Sausage Pasta! This ingenious recipe serves up deliciousness in every bite, combining hearty sausages with tender pasta, all cooked in a single pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only one pot to clean, you’ll have more time to relax after your meal.
- Versatile Flavors: Sausage and pasta absorb all the rich flavors from the sauce, creating a truly satisfying dish.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Sausage Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a symphony of flavors that delight the palate. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish shine:
- Olive Oil: A staple for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that deepens the flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic quality that enhances every bite.
- Sausages: The star of the show – choose your favorite variety for a personal touch.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Create a luscious sauce that envelops the pasta.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Beef Stock: Infuses the pasta with full-bodied flavor as it cooks.
- Dried Mixed Herbs: A blend that brings the dish to life with fragrant notes.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the sauce.
- Dried Pasta: Use any shape for a comforting and filling meal.
- Baby Spinach: Gives a fresh burst of color and nutrition.
- Grated Zucchini/Carrot: Optional veggies that meld into the sauce for added texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The perfect salty, creamy finish that ties everything together.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this One Pot Sausage Pasta your own! The recipe is incredibly adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs, allowing for endless customization.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausages for mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hit of heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in some mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy delight.
- Gluten-Free: Use your preferred gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without the gluten.
How to Make One Pot Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, stirring for about two minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Introduce the sliced sausages, allowing them to brown evenly for about five minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add the tin of chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, dried mixed herbs, and balsamic vinegar to the pan. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the flavors to meld as the sauce simmers.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Gently stir in the dried pasta, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender yet still al dente.
Step 4: Add the Greens and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the baby spinach and optional grated zucchini or carrot. Let them wilt and blend into the dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, cover the pan, and let the cheese melt for an additional two minutes. If desired, pop the pan under the grill for an extra golden finish.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Sausage Pasta
- Sausage Selection: For added flavor, choose sausages with spices like fennel or paprika.
- Cooking the Pasta: Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Achieving the Perfect Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
- Cheese Melting: For a bubbly cheese top, use an oven-proof skillet and finish under the broiler.
How to Serve One Pot Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness. A few extra shavings of Parmesan can never go amiss, providing a creamy, salty finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to sop up any remaining sauce. It’s also delightful next to roasted vegetables for added color and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One Pot Sausage Pasta straight from the pan for a rustic, communal experience. Alternatively, plate it in individual pasta bowls and garnish each serving with fresh herbs and cheese for a more refined presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop over time, making reheated servings just as delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with an extra splash of water or stock to maintain moisture. Stir periodically to ensure even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chunks of chicken breast or thigh, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
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What type of pasta works best?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works perfectly, as they hold the sauce well. Adjust the cooking time based on your pasta of choice.
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Is there a vegetarian sausage option?
Yes, vegetarian sausages are widely available and can easily substitute the meat sausages without sacrificing flavor.
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How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a chopped chili or a dash of hot sauce along with the tomatoes for a spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Sausage Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl, blending convenience with flavor in the most delightful way. Whether you’re catering to a crowd or cooking for yourself, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a favorite among your loved ones!
PrintOne Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory sausages, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables all cooked together in a single pan. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup, offering rich tomato and herb flavors topped with melted Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Oil and Aromatics
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
Sausages and Vegetables
- 6–8 sausages (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup grated zucchini or carrot (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped spinach leaves
Pantry Staples and Flavorings
- 1 x 400 gram tin of chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 Tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups dried pasta (any shape)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Brown the sausages: Add the sliced sausages to the pan, cooking for about 5 minutes until they are nicely browned on all sides.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, dried herbs, and balsamic vinegar, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Reduce heat to medium/low, add the dried pasta, and stir to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
- Test for doneness and add greens: Remove the lid after 15 minutes to check if the pasta is tender. If needed, cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the spinach and optional grated vegetables like zucchini or carrot.
- Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, cover again, and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, place the pan under a grill if oven-safe for a golden topping.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use any shape of dried pasta you prefer; penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes with the herbs.
- You can substitute chicken sausages or vegetarian sausages for a different protein option.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash more beef stock or water to loosen the sauce.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the sausages and increase the vegetables or add plant-based sausage alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg