One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce
Hearty Italian sausage and penne pasta cooked together in a rich tomato basil sauce for an easy, comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends Italian sausage links, casings removed, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 lb Italian sausage links, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir in 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce 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-Pot Italian Sausage and Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Italian pasta 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.
