One-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Pasta
A hearty one-pot dish combining spicy Italian sausage with tender pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs Italian sausage, casings removed, penne pasta, can crushed 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 12 ounces Italian sausage (remove casings and crumble), cook for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 ounces crushed tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; stir to combine.
- Step 4: Add 8 ounces penne pasta to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Serve warm garnished with extra cheese 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 Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato 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-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato 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-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato 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-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato 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.
