Pasta cooked in a creamy tomato sausage sauce
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Pasta cooked in a creamy tomato sausage sauce
★4.8(25)
Pasta cooks directly in a creamy tomato-sausage sauce in one pot. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce into velvety perfection.
5m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This one-pot pasta is a weeknight miracle—everything cooks together in a single pot, and the pasta absorbs all that creamy, saucy flavor. Minimal dishes, maximum taste.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 lb penne or rigatoni
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- 1
Brown sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds.
- 2
Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil.
- 3
Add pasta, stir well, and reduce to a simmer. Cook 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- 4
Stir in heavy cream and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- 5
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Italian sausageGround turkey + Italian seasoning
Lighter option
Heavy creamHalf-and-half
Slightly lighter but still creamy
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat with a splash of liquid to loosen.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (55mg) · 6 servings
Calories520
LowModerateHigh
A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein24g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat54g
Fiber780mg
Sugar3g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the pasta overcook?
- Watch it carefully and pull it off heat when al dente—it will continue to absorb liquid.
- Can I use a different pasta?
- Any short pasta works. Avoid long shapes like spaghetti.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →