One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pot pasta featuring Italian sausage simmered in a fresh tomato basil sauce, cooked all together for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends (casings removed) Italian sausage links, 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 550 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz uncooked spaghetti, pressing it down into the liquid as much as possible. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

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-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage 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 Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage?

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 Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian 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-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian 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-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage?

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.

Related recipes