The Best One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Indulge in the convenience and tantalizing blend of flavors of our One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, or casual dinner with friends. This easy pasta dish combines the warmth of spicy Italian sausage with a rich of tomato sauce, creating an al dente masterpiece simmered in a creamy sauce bursting with incredible flavors. With just a single pot and a handful of ingredients from your local grocery store, this dish is a testament to the magic of one-pot meals. This is easily one of our favorite weeknight recipes. 

As a flavorful weekday dinner solution, the convenience of our One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta is hard to beat. Combining all ingredients in a single pot makes cleanup a breeze. With its rich flavors and spicy kick, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite go-to for easy, flavorful dinners that satisfy the whole family.

Looking for a different pasta dish? Try our vegetarian Creamy Zucchini Orzo with Lemon and Basil or our Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

Ingredients (and substitutes)

• Spicy Italian Sausage – Spicy Italian sausage is a fiery and flavorful pork sausage seasoned with a blend of spices and red pepper flakes, delivering a bold and zesty kick. Johnsonville makes a good hot Italian sausage blend but most butchers or meat departments at your local grocery store often carry their own blend. Mild Italian sausage or sweet Italian sausage is ok if you prefer a lower spice level.
• Olive Oil – extra virgin olive oil is best because it has great flavor that will complement this dish
• Pasta – This recipe calls for Rigatoni. We recommend this pasta type because of its ability to trap sauce inside and in the ridges of the pasta. If Rigatoni is not available a penne pasta or penne rigate is a good alternative. With both, it is important to simmer until just before the pasta is al dente. Because the pasta is not removed from the liquid after cooking, the pasta will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat.
• Aromatics – 1 yellow onion diced and 4 cloves of fresh minced garlic.  In a pinch, you could substitute garlic power or onion powder. Usually, 1/8 of tsp garlic powder is the equivalent of 1 fresh clove of garlic and 1 tbs onion powder to 1/2 diced onion. We would not recommend substituting both as this will result in a significantly less hearty sauce. 
• Stock – We add Chicken broth to our one-pot pasta because it enriches the flavors and creates a depth that enhances the overall taste profile. The stock imbues the sauce with savory richness, elevating it beyond a simple pasta dish. Vegetable broth is a good alternative if you don’t have chicken broth or stock.
• Tomatoes – We use three different types of tomato products. Firstly, 2 cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes add a rich, smoky flavor and a hint of charred flavor. In a pinch normal diced tomatoes will do, the texture is more important than flavor. Secondly, Passata, a smooth and strained tomato purée, contributes a velvety texture and a concentrated tomato taste, making for an amazing sauce base. Lastly, a dollop of tomato paste introduces a robust and intense tomato flavor and helps add umami to the dish. 
• Spices and Herbs – The spices used in this recipe are meant to complement and accentuate the spice profile in the Italian sausage and add further depth and dimension to the dish. Ground fennel seeds add a subtle anise-like sweetness and earthiness, while smoked paprika contributes a deep, smoky undertone. Oregano brings a Mediterranean herbaceousness, while the salt and pepper provide balance and enhance the overall seasoning of the dish. If your feeling adventurous, add some red chili flakes to kick the heat up a notch
• Fresh Herbs and Greens – Incorporating basil and fresh baby spinach into the dish adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color, enhancing the overall aesthetic and flavor profile. The herbaceousness of basil complements the dish beautifully. As a substitution for spinach, arugula introduces a peppery note that elevates the dish with its unique and bold flavor. This combination of herbs and greens not only adds depth to the dish but also provides a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
• Dairy –  Milk stirred in at the end, adds creaminess to the sauce and imparts a beautiful rose color. If you want a real treat use cream. However, we usually use milk simply because we always have it on hand.
• Parmesan – No pasta dish would be complete without the addition of fresh parmesan cheese. Grate over the top once the meal has been plated.  

Equipment 

• Large Sauce Pot or Large Dutch Oven
• Microplane or Cheese Grater– to grate fresh parmesan cheese
• Wooden Spoon

How to make this One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta (with pictures)

Add Italian Sausage meat to a pot and cook over medium-high heat until done. Browning slightly. Once done, remove from the pot and set aside. Don’t worry about any bits left in the pan these will add flavor to later steps. 

Heat Olive oil in a large saucepot. Sweat Onions and garlic until onions are translucent. 

Add spices to the onion and garlic and continue to saute until the spices become fragrant around 1-2 minutes.

Add sausage meat back to the pan. The add Passata, Roasted tomato, tomato paste, and Chicken broth, stir and bring to a simmer.

Stir in rigatoni, cover, and simmer until pasta is almost al dente. Stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan. 

Once the pasta is cooked to just before al dente, remove from heat. Stir in a spinach, a handful of basil leaves, and ½ cup of cream or milk. Allow to cool for approximately 5 – 10 mins, then serve and enjoy!

** Note about pasta doneness. Since the pasta is never removed from the liquid it is cooked in, it will continue to cook once removed it from the heat. This is why we recommend more robust pasta types and removing the pot from the heat just ahead of reaching al dente. 

Questions

How do you store this One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container, it also freezes well.  We’ve found that the pasta does bloat a bit and absorb more of the sauce the longer it sits. However, the flavor does not diminish. We have found a great way to rejuvenate the dish after storage is to add a tiny bit of olive oil or water when reheating it. 

What should I serve with this one pot pasta?

While this dish is perfectly fine on its own you could consider serving it alongside a crisp garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to contrast the rich flavors. Another option is to pair it with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up the savory sauce. If you’re looking for a heartier side, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli would complement the dish beautifully. These sides will round out your meal making it a satisfying and delicious dinner option for any occasion.

One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta

Ideal for hectic weeknights or laid-back gatherings, this one pot pasta blends the boldness of spicy Italian sausage with a luscious tomato sauce, resulting in a perfectly cooked pasta immersed in a creamy, flavor-packed sauce. With minimal ingredients and just one pot, it epitomizes the simplicity and magic of one-pot meals. Whether you're a busy professional or a casual cook, this recipe offers a delicious solution to dinnertime dilemmas.

5 from 1 vote

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Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 375 g spicy Italian sausage casings removed
• 1 yellow onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ground fennel
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbs oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups passata
• 2 400 ml can fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4.5 cups rigatoni pasta
• ½ cup heavy cream substitute whole milk
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions

 

• Brown the meat: Heat a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add Italian sausage meat to a pot, cook until the meat is fully cooked and slightly browned. Once done, remove from the pot and set aside. Don’t worry about any little bits that stick to the bottom of the pan, this will add to the flavor of the dish.
• Sauté: Reduce heat to medium and add olive oil, onions, and garlic. Sauté the onion mixture, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are translucent.
• Add Spices: Add spices to the onion and garlic and continue to sauté until the spices become fragrant around 1-2 minutes.
• Make Sauce: Add cooked sausage meat back to the pan with the onions and stir to combine everything. Add the passata, roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and Chicken broth. Give it another good stir before bringing the mixture to a simmer.
• Cook Pasta: Stir in rigatoni, cover, and simmer until pasta is almost al dente. Give the mixture a stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Serve: Once the pasta reaches the appropriate doneness. Remove from heat and stir in spinach, a handful of basil leaves, and ½ cup of cream or milk. Allow to cool slightly for approximately 5 – 10 mins. Serve topped with fresh basil and shredded parmesan and enjoy!

Notes

* Note about pasta doneness. Since the pasta is never removed from the liquid that you are cooking it in, it will continue to cook slightly once you have removed it from the heat. This is why we recommend more robust pasta types and removing the pot from the heat just before reaching al dente.

Keyword Italian Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Pasta, Spicy italian Pasta