One-Pot Tomato Sausage and Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting weeknight meal where tender pasta simmers in a rich tomato-sausage sauce with aromatic herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, sweet Italian sausage, medium, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking into small pieces, for 5-6 minutes until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add the spaghetti to the pot, stirring to submerge it. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the cooked sausage and cook for 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in the fresh basil, and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Sausage and 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 Tomato Sausage and 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Sausage and 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 Tomato Sausage and 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 Tomato Sausage and 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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