Imagine gathering around the kitchen table with family or friends, diving into a steaming bowl of deliciously comforting One Pot Sausage Pasta. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish brings the heartiness of sausages together with the vibrant tang of tomatoes and the warmth of herbs, making it the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, cutting cleanup time considerably.
- Flavor Packed: Savory sausages and rich tomatoes make an unbeatable taste combination.
- Customizable: Add your choice of veggies and cheese for a personal touch.
- Kid-Friendly: A dish that both adults and kids will eagerly enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few simple ingredients, you can pull together this One Pot Sausage Pasta in no time. Each element plays a role in building layers of flavor, from the aromatic garlic to the tangy tomatoes, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding richness to the base of this dish.
- Sausages: Choose your favorite type! They provide the savory depth and protein of the meal.
- Chopped tomatoes and tomato paste: These bring bright, vibrant flavors and help create a luscious sauce.
- Dried mixed herbs: Essential for infusing the dish with a classic Italian herb aroma.
- Baby spinach: Adds a healthy touch of green that melds perfectly into the pasta.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this One Pot Sausage Pasta! It’s a breeze to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or specific dietary preferences you need to accommodate.
- Vegetarian: Swap sausages for plant-based meat alternatives or even mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Use a hot sausage variety or add a pinch of chili flakes for those who love heat.
How to Make One Pot Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sauté and Brown
Start by heating olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and garlic, stirring for two minutes until their fragrant aroma fills the kitchen. Then, add the sausage slices, giving them a few minutes to brown and release their savory juices. This step is crucial for imparting rich, mouthwatering depth to your dish.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Into the pan go your canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, mixed herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together to integrate these wonderful flavors. This forms the base of the sauce, working its magic by simmering and thickening into a delightful coating for the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add your pasta directly into the pan. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the delicious sauce. Cover the pan and allow it to cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring once to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Veggies and Finish
Once your pasta is perfectly al dente, stir in the spinach and any additional veggies you’re using, allowing them to wilt and meld into the dish. Top with grated parmesan and let it melt under a lid for a final touch of creamy goodness.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Sausage Pasta
- Balancing Act: Adjust the thickness of your sauce by adding more stock if needed; it should cradle the pasta gently rather than overwhelm it.
- Perfect Browning: Take the time to brown the sausages well for the best flavor — it makes a world of difference.
- Cheese Choice: Mix and match cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles in your pasta!
- Vegetable Variation: Don’t hesitate to switch out spinach for kale or broccoli to suit your family’s tastes!
How to Serve One Pot Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
Brighten up your One Pot Sausage Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Not only do they enhance the color, but these herbs also bring a fresh, aromatic lift to each bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp mixed greens salad and some garlic bread on the side. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the pasta, while the bread is perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your dish in rustic bowls with extra parmesan at the table. For an added touch, serve family-style in the pan you cooked in, allowing everyone to help themselves. This not only keeps things casual and cozy but enhances the shared dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making this pasta a perfect candidate for meal prep and easy lunches during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well without the pasta becoming mushy. Cool the pasta completely before freezing in airtight containers. It can be stored for up to a month, perfect for those nights when you need a quick dinner solution.
Reheating
Reheat your One Pot Sausage Pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta can be used; just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
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What’s the best sausage for this dish?
Feel free to use your preferred sausage type—Italian, chorizo, or even a vegetarian option—each will bring its unique flair to the pasta.
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Can this be made dairy-free?
You can easily skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make this pasta delightfully enjoyable for everyone.
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Will the veggies become too mushy?
Not at all. Adding them at the end ensures they remain tender yet retain a pleasant bite, perfectly balancing the dish.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Sausage Pasta is truly a gem for busy evenings and special gatherings alike. Easy to prepare and a joy to eat, I hope this becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine. Don’t wait — try it out tonight and discover the magic for yourself!
Print
One Pot Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This one-pot sausage pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory sausages, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables all cooked together in a single pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a rich tomato sauce with herbs and a touch of balsamic vinegar, finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to add or substitute vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
- 6–8 sausages (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 x 400 gram tin of chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1½ cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the Pasta & Vegetables
- 2 cups dried pasta (any shape)
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped spinach leaves
- 1 cup grated zucchini or carrot (optional)
For the Finish
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan with a lid over medium heat. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add Sausages: Incorporate the sliced sausages into the pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes until they are browned evenly.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, dried mixed herbs, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Pasta & Cover: Stir in the dried pasta. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and reduce heat to medium/low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring once midway, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Check & Adjust: Remove the lid and check if the pasta is fully cooked. If not, cover again and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the spinach and grated vegetables if using. Allow them to wilt and soften for about 2 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the pan again and let sit for 2 minutes to melt the cheese, or transfer to a grill if using oven-proof cookware for a slightly browned topping.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground sausage or chicken sausage for variety.
- You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more beef stock or water to loosen it.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end before adding cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
