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
Scale
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
