One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Tomato Penne
A hearty one-pot pasta featuring spicy Italian sausage simmered with ripe tomatoes and penne, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, casings removed Italian sausage, medium, diced yellow onion 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz, casings removed Italian sausage
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 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, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (removed from casing) and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the sausage. Sauté together for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, then pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 3 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Tomato Penne 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 Tomato Penne?
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 Tomato Penne?
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 Tomato Penne 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 Sausage and Tomato Penne?
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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