One-Pan Sausage and Pea Pasta
Quick weeknight dinner featuring spicy Italian sausage, fresh peas, and garlic tossed with al dente pasta in a single pan. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, Italian sausage links, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz Italian sausage links
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage links and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and 2 cups fresh spinach, cooking for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Sausage and Pea Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Sausage and Pea Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Sausage and Pea Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Sausage and Pea Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pan Sausage and Pea Pasta?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
