One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage
A comforting one-pot pasta dish where spaghetti cooks directly in a savory tomato sauce with spicy Italian sausage and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends spaghetti, pound Italian sausage, casings removed, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- 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 the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz spaghetti directly into the sauce, pressing it down to submerge. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Step 6: Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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
One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Italian Sausage
One-Pot Baked Ziti with Spinach and Italian Sausage
One-Pot Italian Sausage Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
One-Pot Sausage Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme
Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti
One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Peppers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
