One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Italian Sausage
A hearty one-pot pasta dish combining spicy Italian sausage, penne pasta, and fresh basil in a vibrant tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs casings removed Italian sausage links, penne pasta, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, casings removed Italian sausage links
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot; sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) undrained diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving to thicken and meld flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Italian Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Tomato Basil Penne with Italian Sausage?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with 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 Tomato Basil Penne with 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 Tomato Basil Penne with 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.
