One-Pot Spicy Italian Sausage and Penne Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust one-pot pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage and penne simmered in a rich tomato and bell pepper sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium red bell pepper, diced, garlic cloves, minced 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: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 12 oz crumbled Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 3 cups chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 10 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to submerge the pasta. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Italian Sausage and Penne Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Spicy Italian Sausage and Penne 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Italian Sausage and Penne 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 Spicy Italian Sausage and Penne 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 Spicy Italian Sausage and Penne Pasta?

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.

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