One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

Searching for a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than this incredible One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta! This creamy, savory dish is packed with delicious flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for even the busiest weeknights. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Life with little ones moves at an incredibly fast pace, doesn’t it? Just last week, my little Andrew celebrated his first birthday! It’s hard to believe an entire year has already flown by. I often find myself gazing at my now one-year-old toddler, wondering, “Where did the time go?” It feels like only yesterday I was up five times a night, rocking and cuddling him back to sleep. While I certainly don’t miss the intense sleep deprivation, I know I’ll forever cherish and miss this precious baby stage.

Now, all of a sudden, I look at him and realize he’s almost walking, starting to babble words, using sign language to communicate when he wants more food, and getting into absolutely everything. And when I say everything, I truly mean everything! For anyone who has a toddler, you know that simply getting dinner on the table can feel like an Olympic sport. The moment it’s time to start preparing dinner often coincides precisely with Andrew becoming extra clingy and exploring every nook and cranny. I literally can’t turn my back for a single second without him finding some kind of delightful (to him) mischief.

My answer to this daily circus is, without a doubt, **one-pot meals**. They have quickly become my new favorite thing to prepare during the week, especially when both kids are home and I’m striving to get a nutritious and delicious meal on the table without losing my sanity. One-pot meals are truly a game-changer for busy households.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Today’s One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta recipe is incredibly simple to throw together and can be ready to serve in under 30 minutes. It’s largely inspired by one of my most popular dinner recipes, the Smoked Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts. The genius idea here was to eliminate the extra step of cooking the pasta separately. Instead, I decided to cook the pasta right in the same pot with all the other ingredients, and it worked out absolutely perfectly! The pasta absorbs all the wonderful flavors, resulting in a deeper, richer taste and an unbelievably creamy texture.

Beyond the fantastic flavor, the thing I appreciate most about one-pot meals is the minimal cleanup they require. There’s just one pot to wash, which is a dream come true on those nights when you’re exhausted and just want to relax after dinner. While this dish simmers on the stove, I can quickly whip up a fresh salad and a simple side dish, like this crisp Lemon Parmesan Broccoli, and have everything ready to go on the table in less than half an hour. It’s efficiency and deliciousness rolled into one!

Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Creamy One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

This recipe relies on a few simple, yet impactful, ingredients to create its signature rich and creamy flavor:

• Sausage: I typically opt for sweet Italian sausage because it adds a wonderful depth of flavor without being overly spicy. However, feel free to use your favorite! Hot Italian sausage will give it a kick, or a mild breakfast sausage could offer a different profile. Ensure the casing is removed and it’s crumbled finely for even cooking.
• Pasta: Rigatoni is fantastic for this dish as its ridged surface and tubular shape perfectly capture the creamy sauce. Other robust pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even larger macaroni would also work beautifully. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat pasta.
• Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates a balanced cheesiness and an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Colby Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your preference.
• Aromatics: Sweet onion and plenty of fresh garlic are the foundation of flavor. They’re sautéed to perfection, releasing their sweet and pungent notes into the dish.
• Liquids: Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) and a touch of milk are essential for cooking the pasta and creating that luscious, creamy sauce. Whole milk will yield a richer, creamier result, while low-fat milk will keep it lighter.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich sausage and cheese, bringing a subtle acidity and a lovely texture to the sauce.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down quickly and adds a boost of vibrant color and essential nutrients, making this a more complete meal.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs ties all the flavors together, providing that classic Italian-inspired taste.

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One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

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This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is an easy to make one pot meal with creamy, bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic , finely chopped
• 2 sausage links, casing removed, crumbled into small pieces (I used sweet Italian sausage, but feel free to use whatever you like)
• 8 oz rigatoni pasta , (use whole wheat pasta for a healthier dish)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth , (you can use vegetable broth as well)
• 1/4 cup low fat milk, (or milk of your choice; whole milk for creamy texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese , (I used 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella)
• 2 cups spinach, loosely packed
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Extra shredded cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and a dash of salt, then sauté for about 1 minute until it begins to soften. Stir in the finely chopped garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add the crumbled sausage (with casing removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. To the pot, add the rigatoni pasta, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, milk, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients well to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally (every 5-7 minutes) to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
3. With approximately 5 minutes of cooking time remaining for the pasta, stir in the loosely packed fresh spinach. Cover the pot again and allow the spinach to wilt into the pasta mixture. It will reduce significantly in volume.
4. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (it should still be slightly saucy), remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheese and stir continuously until the cheese completely melts into the pasta mixture, creating a rich, creamy, and irresistible sauce.
5. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your easy, delicious one-pot meal!

Notes

• Depending on the type and size of pasta you use, the cooking time might vary. If you opt for a smaller pasta shape (like elbow macaroni or ditalini), you’ll want to start checking for doneness around 15 minutes. For larger, thicker pasta shapes, it might require a few extra minutes beyond the recommended 20 minutes.
• If you notice the dish becoming a little dry during the simmering process, don’t hesitate to add a small amount (1/4 to 1/2 cup) more chicken broth until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Vegetarian Option: To transform this into a delicious vegetarian dish, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead & Storage: This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal,
Carbohydrates: 34g,
Protein: 12g,
Fat: 12g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g,
Trans Fat: 0.01g,
Cholesterol: 22mg,
Sodium: 544mg,
Potassium: 354mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 4g,
Vitamin A: 1173IU,
Vitamin C: 10mg,
Calcium: 158mg,
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tips for Elevating Your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allowing the onions and garlic to soften and become fragrant, and the sausage to properly brown, builds the foundational flavors for the entire dish.
• Stir Regularly: While it’s a “one-pot” meal, a few stirs during the simmering phase are crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensuring it cooks evenly.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a looser, saucier pasta, feel free to add a little more broth or milk at the end, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two.
• Cheese Matters: Using freshly shredded cheese (rather than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents) will result in a smoother, creamier melt.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider using hot Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• Add More Veggies: This dish is highly adaptable. Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or mushrooms when you add the pasta for extra nutrients and texture.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Besides the Lemon Parmesan Broccoli mentioned earlier, roasted asparagus or green beans would make a lovely addition.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, you can use other medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, ziti, cavatappi, or even rotini. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and thickness. Always check for al dente doneness.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Sweet Italian sausage is a classic choice for its balanced flavor, but feel free to customize! Hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick, or you can opt for a mild pork or even a chicken/turkey sausage for a lighter alternative. Always remove the casing and crumble the sausage well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, easily! Simply omit the sausage from the recipe. You can replace it with plant-based sausage crumbles or add extra vegetables like diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for more substance. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, as pasta tends to absorb liquid as it sits.

This One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy individuals and families who crave delicious, homemade meals without the fuss. Its rich, creamy texture, savory sausage, and tender pasta make it an instant classic that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Give it a try tonight and reclaim your evening!