One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta (Easy, Rich & Weeknight Comfort Food)
Savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. This one-pot creamy sausage pasta is rich, cozy, and wildly satisfying… but still easy enough for a Tuesday night when you’re hungry and slightly impatient!;)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi are perfect)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Here are the interesting details on why you should never use pre-shredded cheese!)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks (let it get some color… that’s flavor).
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft and slightly sweet.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the dry pasta directly into the pot along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low-medium and simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce, stir in the Parmesan and ricotta.
- Let everything melt together into a rich, silky, cheesy situation.
- Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- We also love to toss extra shredded cheese on top 😉
Tips & Variations
- Want it ultra creamy? Add an extra handful of Parmesan at the end. The sauce tightens and gets glossy in the best way.
- For a slightly lighter feel, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. It wilts beautifully and balances the richness.
- Prefer heat? Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for a subtle but fabulous kick.
- A splash of cream can be added if you want it even more indulgent, but the cheese alone creates plenty of creaminess.
- This reheats beautifully with a small splash of broth to loosen it back up!
Love cozy pasta? Check out this Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crispy Bacon and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, this easy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Butter, this viral Marry Me Chicken, these Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs and this delightfully easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Beef! And if you’re in the mood for a simple one pot wonder meal?! This EPIC One Pot Lasagna dinner that’s ready in less than 27 minutes will absolutely become your new favorite busy-night dinner!
Want an easy and delicious dessert to make with this dinner? Try this viral Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Copy Cat recipe – it’s creamy, no-bake and ALWAYS a hit!
