Who doesn’t love a meal that’s cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-easy to make?
Our One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers!
Did you know that one-pot meals can save you up to 50% on cleanup time? That’s right – less time doing dishes and more time enjoying delicious food with your loved ones.
Get ready to dive into a world of creamy, cheesy goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer!
Why One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a Game-Changer
Let’s face it – we’re all looking for ways to simplify our lives, especially when it comes to cooking. That’s where one pot cheesy sausage pasta comes in!
This dish is revolutionizing home cooking, and here’s why:
- Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less mess and fewer dishes to wash. Who doesn’t love that?
- It’s a time-saver extraordinaire! Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling work, kids, and a grumbling stomach.
- Cleanup is a breeze – just one pot to scrub, and you’re done!
- The flavors meld together beautifully as everything cooks in the same pot. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
- You can easily customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes or whatever you have in the fridge. Versatility for the win!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Mouthwatering Dish
Ready to get cooking? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious one pot wonder:
- Pasta: Go for shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, rotini, or fusilli. They’re perfect for catching all that cheesy goodness!
- Sausage: Italian sausage is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment! Chorizo adds a spicy kick, while plant-based sausages work great for vegetarian versions.
- Cheese: We’re talking ooey, gooey, melty goodness here. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan is fantastic, but don’t be afraid to throw in some cheddar or fontina for extra flavor.
- Aromatics: Garlic and onions are a must! They form the flavor base of our dish.
- Seasonings: Italian herbs, salt, and pepper are all you need, but feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
- Optional add-ins: Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. Your pasta, your rules!
Tips and Tricks for the Best One Pot Pasta
Want to take your one pot cheesy sausage pasta from good to great? Here are some pro tips:
- Keep an eye on the liquid level as the pasta cooks. If it’s looking dry, add a bit more broth or water.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It’ll continue to soften as it sits in the hot sauce.
- For an extra creamy sauce, try stirring in a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
- Grate your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Variations to Spice Up Your One Pot Pasta Game
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Here are some ideas to keep dinner exciting:
- Go veggie: Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage or add a dash of cayenne for a fiery kick.
- Seasonal twists: In summer, toss in fresh tomatoes and basil. In fall, try adding cubed butternut squash for a cozy touch.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Gourmet it up: For special occasions, try using artisanal sausages and a blend of fancy cheeses. Truffle oil, anyone?
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
While this one pot cheesy sausage pasta is a meal in itself, here are some ideas to round out your dinner:
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. Yum!
- For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red like Chianti pairs beautifully with the sausage and cheese.
- Finish off with a light dessert like fresh berries or lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.
There you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to creating a mouthwatering one pot cheesy sausage pasta that’ll become your new go-to recipe!
With its irresistible combination of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food without the fuss, this one pot wonder has got you covered.
Happy cooking!
One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Slice the sausage, chop the onions and garlic, and measure out your pasta and liquids.
- 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.
- Add aromatics: Toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Pasta time: Add the pasta, 3 cups of chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes, and 1 tbsp of tomato paste. Stir well.
- 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).
- Cheese time: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and evenly distributed.
- 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!
Where do the tomatoes Come into the recipe
You can add the tomatoes when you add the pasta and broth to the pot, letting them cook together as the pasta simmers. I’ll make sure to update the recipe!
And when would I add spinach??
You can add the spinach during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking – just stir it in until it wilts!
If you remove the sausage from the casing, how are you supposed to cut it? When it’s removed from the casing it is like ground sausage consistency then. Should it be removed from the casing or cut?
You can leave the casing on and slice the sausage (which is the preferred method), or remove it and crumble it as you brown it in the pan – whichever you like!
I just used a very sharp knife and didn’t have an issue. Perhaps you could put the sausage in the freezer for a few mins before slicing to make it more solid?
Hi how can I thicken it if there is too much water?
Hi! You can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid, or stir in a little cornstarch slurry or extra cheese to thicken it up. Hope this helps next time!
Next time I would probably boil the pasta separate from the sauce and add it in after…. The water didn’t absorb and made the entire thing watery and just separated the cheese from the pasta.
Next time, I’d probably just cook the pasta separate and add it in the sauce. The water didn’t absorb and just made the cheese separate from the pasta.
As other comments mentioned, water didn’t reduce and I didn’t use full 4 cups. Additionally cheese didn’t create a sauce. I think this recipe needs some review
Thanks for your feedback! We’ve reduced the broth to 3 cups now and included tomato paste for a thicker sauce. Hope you enjoy the update!
This was an easy and tasty dinner. It cooked up fast and we had no issues with it being to watery. We did crumble the sausage (only because I have little ones and it is easier for them to eat it that way). It is be in our rotation. Thank you for the dinner idea 💡!
Thanks for sharing your feedback! Im glad you enjoyed it😊
Just made this now it’s the bomb y’all 🔥🔥👌
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it😎🔥