Sausage Pasta Skillet

Imagine the sizzling sound of Italian sausage hitting a hot skillet, releasing its aromatic spices while tender pasta soaks up the rich, savory sauce. This Sausage Pasta Skillet is the ultimate one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings, this hearty dish combines the robust flavors of seasoned sausage with al dente pasta and a silky tomato sauce. You’ll learn how to create a balanced, flavor-packed meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sausage Pasta Skillet will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient—everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the pasta absorbs all those delicious sausage drippings. The contrast between the slightly crisp, caramelized sausage pieces and the tender pasta creates a delightful textural experience with every bite.

The recipe strikes a perfect balance between hearty and fresh, with the savory sausage complemented by bright tomatoes and herbs. It’s also endlessly customizable—swap in your favorite pasta shape, adjust the spice level, or add vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.

What truly sets this skillet pasta apart is how it manages to taste like it’s been simmering all day, despite coming together in less than 30 minutes. It’s that rare combination of quick, easy, and genuinely impressive that makes it ideal for both Monday night dinners and impromptu gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

For this delicious Sausage Pasta Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 8 oz (226g) pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work best)
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

The star ingredient is undoubtedly the Italian sausage, which provides rich flavor and seasoning. Choose high-quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for the best results. The pasta selection matters too—shorter shapes with ridges or curves hold the sauce better than long, straight varieties.

Pro Tips

Master the Sausage Browning: Take your time when browning the sausage—this is where much of the flavor develops. Break the sausage into bite-sized chunks and let them develop a deep golden crust before stirring. This caramelization creates the foundation of flavor for the entire dish. Don’t rush this step; those browned bits on the bottom of the pan (fond) will infuse the sauce with incredible depth.

Perfect Pasta in the Skillet: When cooking pasta directly in the skillet with other ingredients, stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta will absorb the flavors of the broth and other ingredients, becoming much more flavorful than pasta cooked separately. Test the pasta 2-3 minutes before the package directions suggest it should be done—you want it just slightly firmer than al dente as it will continue cooking in the residual heat.

Sauce Consistency Control: The key to a silky, perfectly textured sauce is controlling the liquid. If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water. Remember that the sauce will thicken as it cools, so it’s better to have it slightly looser in the pan than you want it on the plate. Adding the cream off the heat prevents curdling while still creating that luscious mouthfeel.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Crumble the Italian sausage into the hot skillet, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust, then stir and continue cooking until the sausage is well-browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes total. The caramelization here is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to help draw out moisture from the vegetables.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Liquids
Add the dry pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil and juices from the sausage and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. Check periodically and add a splash more broth if needed to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan.

Step 5: Finish the Dish
Once the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform this Sausage Pasta Skillet into a more veggie-forward meal by adding 2 cups of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking (it will wilt into the hot pasta) and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. You could also include sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor boost. This variation increases the nutritional value while maintaining the comforting essence of the original dish.

Creamy Pesto Adaptation: For a herb-forward twist, reduce the diced tomatoes to half a can and stir in 1/4 cup of prepared pesto along with the cream. The basil-rich pesto complements the sausage beautifully and creates a luscious green-tinted sauce. Finish with diced fresh mozzarella that melts slightly into the warm pasta for added creaminess and an Italian-inspired flavor profile.

Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake: After completing the stovetop cooking, transfer the Sausage Pasta Skillet to an oven-safe dish, top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan, then broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. This creates a delicious crusty top while maintaining the saucy goodness beneath. Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy more heat.

Storage and Serving

The Sausage Pasta Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

For serving, try pairing this hearty skillet with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil—the peppery greens and bright dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. A side of garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for sopping up any remaining sauce, turning this into a restaurant-worthy meal.

For an elevated dinner party presentation, serve the Sausage Pasta Skillet directly in the pan with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, and an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. Add a bottle of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complete the Italian-inspired experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken will work, though you’ll want to add extra seasonings (Italian herbs, fennel seeds, garlic powder) since these meats don’t have the built-in flavors that sausage provides.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the Sausage Pasta Skillet reheats beautifully. Cook it fully, cool, and refrigerate. When reheating, add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Certainly! Short pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or shells work best because they catch the sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which can be difficult to stir in a skillet and doesn’t integrate with the ingredients as effectively.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or 8 oz of sliced mushrooms sautéed with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

My sauce is too watery/too thick. How can I fix it?
If too watery, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add broth or pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Remember that the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Conclusion

This Sausage Pasta Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of zesty Italian sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce that comes together in one pan. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners while still feeling special enough for occasions. The beauty lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor, proving that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredient lists. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a casual dinner with friends, this skillet pasta delivers satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try tonight and discover your new go-to pasta recipe!

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