One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Quick and Tasty Meal

by Emily on May 18, 2025

Looking for a quick meal that packs a ton of flavor? You’re in the right place! This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With just one pot, you’ll whip up a creamy, cheesy dish that your whole family will love. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps, share tips, and show you how to customize it. Let’s dive into cooking this tasty masterpiece together!

$To make this tasty dish, you will need: - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil, for garnish You can add more flavors with these options: - Extra garlic for a stronger taste - Spinach or kale for greens - Black olives for a briny touch - A splash of cream for richness If you need to switch some items, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat penne for a healthier option. - Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage. - Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth for more flavor. - Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme if you have them. - If you lack Parmesan, use any hard cheese you have on hand. Each ingredient choice can change the dish's taste and health. Explore and enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add one pound of Italian sausage without the casings. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula until it is brown. Next, add one small diced onion and one diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until the onion looks clear. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic. Now, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and two cups of vegetable broth. Season this with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Once it is simmering, add eight ounces of penne pasta. Stir well to mix everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has soaked in. After that, take the pot off the heat. Fold in one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it is all melted and blended. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving. To save time, prepare your ingredients before starting. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and garlic ahead of time. This way, you can add them quickly when needed. Use pre-grated cheese to cut down on prep time. You can even cook the sausage in advance and store it in the fridge. This lets you skip a step when you are ready to cook. Another tip is to use a large pot. It gives you more room to stir. This helps the pasta cook evenly. If you have more space, you can mix everything easily. Stirring is very important in this recipe. It helps the pasta cook evenly. If you don’t stir, some pasta may stick to the bottom. This can cause it to burn. Stir every few minutes while it cooks to keep things moving. The consistency of the sauce is also key. You want it creamy but not too watery. If it seems too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too runny, let it sit for a few minutes. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid. This will help get the right texture. Always check before serving to make sure it looks good! Cooking pasta in one pot is simple. Use a large pot to fit all the ingredients. Start by browning the sausage first. This adds a great flavor base. After browning, add your veggies. Sauté them until soft. This step builds depth in taste. When you add the pasta, make sure to stir well. This prevents sticking. Pour in enough liquid to cover the pasta. Stir often while it cooks. This helps the pasta absorb flavors. Cook until the pasta is al dente, not mushy. For better flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil adds a nice touch at the end. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. They add warmth without being too spicy. To improve texture, mix in the cheese at the end. This creates a creamy mouthfeel. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. A pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference. One common mistake is not using enough liquid. Insufficient broth makes the pasta dry. Always check that the pasta is well-covered. Another mistake is overcooking the pasta. Keep an eye on the time. Avoid skipping the resting time after cooking. This lets the dish thicken nicely. Lastly, don't forget to garnish. A sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs makes your dish pop. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil at the end enhances flavor and freshness, making the dish more vibrant. Perfect Pasta Texture: To ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente, taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. Leftover Transformation: If you have leftovers, try baking them with extra cheese on top for a delicious pasta bake! {{image_2}} You can swap the sausage with chicken or turkey. Ground chicken or turkey works well. They both cook quickly and soak up flavors nicely. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or lentils. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. Adding veggies boosts the nutrition of this dish. You can mix in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them when you add the onion and bell pepper. This helps them cook evenly, making the meal colorful and healthy. Changing the cheese can change the taste of the pasta. Try using cheddar for a sharp kick, or gouda for a smoky flavor. You can also mix in some feta for a tangy touch. Each cheese adds its own twist to the creamy goodness. To keep your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container tight to avoid drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often over low heat until warmed through. This helps the pasta stay creamy and tasty. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container and portion it out. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works great, but fusilli or rotini are good too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Different shapes may need slight adjustments. Follow the package instructions to cook it al dente. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or hot sausage. If you prefer, try a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Always taste as you go to find the right balance. This pasta dish pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread makes a great side too. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Fresh basil on top adds a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered everything you need to know about making One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and best practices. I shared ways to make it tastier and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about fun variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Now you can cook with ease and confidence. Enjoy this tasty dish and share it with others!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese creates a rich and savory taste that is irresistible.
One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients or spice levels to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients

To make this tasty dish, you will need:

– 8 oz (225g) penne pasta

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed

– 1 small onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

– 2 cups vegetable broth

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Fresh basil, for garnish

Optional ingredients for added flavor

You can add more flavors with these options:

– Extra garlic for a stronger taste

– Spinach or kale for greens

– Black olives for a briny touch

– A splash of cream for richness

Notes on ingredient substitutions

If you need to switch some items, here are some ideas:

– Use whole wheat penne for a healthier option.

– Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage.

– Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth for more flavor.

– Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme if you have them.

– If you lack Parmesan, use any hard cheese you have on hand.

Each ingredient choice can change the dish’s taste and health. Explore and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed cooking process

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add one pound of Italian sausage without the casings. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula until it is brown. Next, add one small diced onion and one diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until the onion looks clear. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic.

Now, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and two cups of vegetable broth. Season this with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer.

Once it is simmering, add eight ounces of penne pasta. Stir well to mix everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has soaked in. After that, take the pot off the heat. Fold in one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it is all melted and blended. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Time-saving tips during preparation

To save time, prepare your ingredients before starting. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and garlic ahead of time. This way, you can add them quickly when needed. Use pre-grated cheese to cut down on prep time. You can even cook the sausage in advance and store it in the fridge. This lets you skip a step when you are ready to cook.

Another tip is to use a large pot. It gives you more room to stir. This helps the pasta cook evenly. If you have more space, you can mix everything easily.

Importance of stirring and consistency

Stirring is very important in this recipe. It helps the pasta cook evenly. If you don’t stir, some pasta may stick to the bottom. This can cause it to burn. Stir every few minutes while it cooks to keep things moving.

The consistency of the sauce is also key. You want it creamy but not too watery. If it seems too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too runny, let it sit for a few minutes. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid. This will help get the right texture. Always check before serving to make sure it looks good!

Tips & Tricks

Best practices for cooking pasta in one pot

Cooking pasta in one pot is simple. Use a large pot to fit all the ingredients. Start by browning the sausage first. This adds a great flavor base. After browning, add your veggies. Sauté them until soft. This step builds depth in taste.

When you add the pasta, make sure to stir well. This prevents sticking. Pour in enough liquid to cover the pasta. Stir often while it cooks. This helps the pasta absorb flavors. Cook until the pasta is al dente, not mushy.

How to enhance flavor and texture

For better flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil adds a nice touch at the end. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. They add warmth without being too spicy.

To improve texture, mix in the cheese at the end. This creates a creamy mouthfeel. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. A pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is not using enough liquid. Insufficient broth makes the pasta dry. Always check that the pasta is well-covered. Another mistake is overcooking the pasta. Keep an eye on the time.

Avoid skipping the resting time after cooking. This lets the dish thicken nicely. Lastly, don’t forget to garnish. A sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs makes your dish pop.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil at the end enhances flavor and freshness, making the dish more vibrant.
Perfect Pasta Texture: To ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente, taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
Leftover Transformation: If you have leftovers, try baking them with extra cheese on top for a delicious pasta bake!

Variations

Alternative proteins (chicken, turkey, or vegetarian)

You can swap the sausage with chicken or turkey. Ground chicken or turkey works well. They both cook quickly and soak up flavors nicely. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or lentils. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying without meat.

Adding vegetables for extra nutrition

Adding veggies boosts the nutrition of this dish. You can mix in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them when you add the onion and bell pepper. This helps them cook evenly, making the meal colorful and healthy.

Different cheese options for unique flavors

Changing the cheese can change the taste of the pasta. Try using cheddar for a sharp kick, or gouda for a smoky flavor. You can also mix in some feta for a tangy touch. Each cheese adds its own twist to the creamy goodness.

Storage Info

How to store leftovers properly

To keep your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container tight to avoid drying out.

Reheating instructions for optimal taste

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often over low heat until warmed through. This helps the pasta stay creamy and tasty.

Freezing tips for future meals

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container and portion it out. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works great, but fusilli or rotini are good too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Different shapes may need slight adjustments. Follow the package instructions to cook it al dente.

How do I make it spicier?

To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or hot sausage. If you prefer, try a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Always taste as you go to find the right balance.

What can I serve with One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta?

This pasta dish pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread makes a great side too. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Fresh basil on top adds a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!

This blog post covered everything you need to know about making One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and best practices. I shared ways to make it tastier and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about fun variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions.

Now you can cook with ease and confidence. Enjoy this tasty dish and share it with other

Cheesy Sausage Delight Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with Italian sausage and vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz) with juices
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned (about 4-5 minutes).
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, add the penne pasta. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.
Remove from heat and fold in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Serve in bowls garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Keyword cheesy, Italian, pasta, sausage