One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta
A hearty one-pot pasta dish with spicy Italian sausage and a rich tomato sauce that simmers to perfection. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Italian sausage, casings removed, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 3 cups chicken broth. Stir in 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 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 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 Sausage and Penne Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sausage and Penne 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.
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