One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Imagine a bubbling skillet filled with golden sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce that perfumes your entire kitchen. One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. This dish is special because every ingredient cooks in a single pot, letting the pasta absorb all those savory, herb-infused flavors from the broth and sausage. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this one pot cheesy sausage pasta delivers every single time. You’ll learn the best ingredients to use, pro cooking tips, easy variations, and step-by-step instructions to make this recipe perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one pot cheesy sausage pasta checks every box for a winning weeknight meal. First, there’s only one pot to wash — a true game-changer for busy evenings. Second, the flavors are deeply satisfying. The Italian sausage releases savory drippings that season the pasta from the inside out, while the mozzarella and Parmesan create a gloriously melty, golden cheese pull with every bite.

The dish is endlessly adaptable. Throw in fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, or swap it for cherry tomatoes for a bright, tangy twist. Kids and adults alike love the creamy, hearty texture. It’s comfort food that doesn’t require hours at the stove. Even beginner cooks can nail this recipe on the first try, making it a reliable staple that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients List for the One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Gather these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients before you start. Quality Italian sausage and good melting cheese make all the difference in achieving that rich, cheesy finish.

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 lb (450g) penne pasta (or your preferred shape)

• 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (to help thicken the sauce)

• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Pro Tips

These three techniques will take your cheesy sausage pasta from good to absolutely spectacular.

Don’t skip browning the sausage. Proper browning creates a caramelized, golden crust on the sausage that adds enormous depth of flavor to the entire dish. Resist the urge to stir too soon — let it sit undisturbed for two to three minutes per side.

Stir the pasta regularly while it simmers. Unlike boiling pasta in a separate pot, the starch released here thickens the sauce. Stirring every two to three minutes prevents sticking to the bottom and encourages that luscious, creamy consistency.

Add the cheese off the heat. Once the pasta is cooked, pull the skillet off the burner before stirring in the mozzarella and Parmesan. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or oily, giving you that perfectly smooth, melty finish every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Slice the sausage, chop the onions and garlic, and measure out your pasta and liquids.

Step 2: Brown the sausage
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and brown the sausage until golden.

Step 3: Add aromatics
Toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Pasta time
Add the pasta, 3 cups of chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes, and 1 tbsp of tomato paste. Stir well.

Step 5: Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 12–15 minutes).

Step 6: Cheese time
Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and evenly distributed.

Step 7: Final touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for a minute. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are three popular ways to switch things up.

Spicy Sausage Version: Swap mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you cook the aromatics. The heat cuts beautifully through the richness of the cheese.

Creamy Tomato Style: Stir in half a cup of heavy cream along with the cheese at the end. This transforms the sauce into a lush, rose-style cream sauce that feels restaurant-worthy and pairs especially well with the savory sausage.

Vegetable-Loaded One Pot Pasta: Add diced bell peppers and zucchini along with the onions. These vegetables soften perfectly during the simmer, boosting nutrition without compromising any of the bold, cheesy flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing: This one pot cheesy sausage pasta can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving suggestions: Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Pair it with crusty garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy sauce, and a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top adds a beautiful finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. While penne works great, rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle all hold up well in this recipe. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, as it tends to overcook quickly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the recipe fully, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore the saucy consistency before serving.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works as a direct substitute and keeps the dish flavorful. You can also use water with a bouillon cube dissolved in it if that’s what you have on hand.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute your favorite certified gluten-free pasta and confirm that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free to make it suitable.

Why is my pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot?
This usually happens when the heat is too high or stirring is infrequent. Keep the heat on low during the simmer and stir every two to three minutes to prevent sticking and build a creamy sauce.

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