One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Sausage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich tomato sauce simmered with spicy sausage and fresh basil over al dente pasta in a single pan. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, casings removed sweet Italian sausage, diced tomatoes 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until sauce coats pasta and thickens, about 2 minutes.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Sausage?

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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Sausage?

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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Sausage 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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Sausage?

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

Related recipes