One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

This one-pan sausage pasta is ready in about 30 minutes. Begin by browning Italian sausage with onions and plenty of garlic for a flavorful base. Add your pasta to the pan, then pour in enough broth to cook it, allowing the pasta to soak up all the savory sausage flavor as it simmers. Once the pasta is tender, stir in both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a creamy, melty texture. Finish with fresh basil and extra cheese for a burst of flavor. It’s a delicious combination of pasta and a cheesy casserole, all in one pan!
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Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:49:11 GMT
A baked pasta dish with penne, sausage slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A baked pasta dish with penne, sausage slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with parsley. | cookingkeys.com

This refined interpretation of single-vessel pasta preparation emerged through careful development of cooking techniques and flavor integration. Initial experimentation focused on achieving optimal balance between protein cooking methods and pasta hydration, while maintaining sauce consistency. Multiple iterations refined the methodology, particularly regarding liquid ratios and ingredient incorporation. The distinctive combination of selected sausage and premium cheese creates exceptional depth while preserving proper pasta texture. Each preparation enhanced understanding of proper timing sequences and temperature control.

Why This Pasta Stands Apart

This creation achieves distinction through its precise balance of ingredients and sophisticated single-vessel technique. The careful selection of pasta shape ensures proper sauce adherence, while premium sausage provides optimal flavor development. Each component serves specific purpose in texture enhancement - from the initial protein preparation to the final sauce emulsion. Temperature control during preparation ensures proper pasta cooking while developing sauce consistency. The incorporation technique creates superior flavor integration while maintaining individual component integrity.

Essential Components

  • Primary Elements:
    • selected pasta variety, proper shape for sauce retention
    • premium Italian sausage, removed from casing
    • selected aromatics for proper flavor base
    • premium stock for proper liquid ratio
    • heavy cream for sauce development
    • selected cheese varieties for optimal melting
    • proper seasoning blend for flavor enhancement
  • Equipment Requirements:
    • heavy-gauge cooking vessel
    • proper temperature monitoring devices
    • calibrated measuring implements
    • appropriate stirring tools
An arrangement of various ingredients on a white background, including sliced sausages, rigatoni pasta, tomato sauce, salt, green chilies, jalapeños, and slices of cheese. Pin it
An arrangement of various ingredients on a white background, including sliced sausages, rigatoni pasta, tomato sauce, salt, green chilies, jalapeños, and slices of cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Creation Process

Initial Preparation
Begin with proper protein cooking technique. Develop aromatic base with specific methodology. Monitor temperature throughout process.
Liquid Integration
Incorporate stock and cream with precise timing. Maintain proper temperature for pasta cooking. Execute stirring technique preventing adhesion.
Pasta Development
Monitor hydration levels throughout cooking process. Ensure proper sauce reduction while maintaining pasta integrity.
Final Integration
Incorporate cheese with specific technique ensuring proper melting. Execute final seasoning adjustments.
A skillet of baked pasta featuring penne, sausage slices, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, topped with melted cheese. Pin it
A skillet of baked pasta featuring penne, sausage slices, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, topped with melted cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Technical Insights

Temperature control proves essential throughout preparation process. Understanding proper liquid ratios significantly impacts final texture. Pasta selection affects sauce adherence considerably. Monitoring heat levels during cooking prevents improper reduction. Each component requires careful attention to maintain proper balance while ensuring optimal flavor development. Timing sequence creates significant impact on final presentation.

Variations and Adaptations

This foundational recipe accepts numerous sophisticated adaptations while maintaining core methodology. Various protein selections create intriguing flavor profiles. Alternative pasta shapes allow for fascinating texture variations. Different cheese combinations provide opportunities for flavor diversity. Each adaptation requires specific adjustments to maintain proper consistency and flavor integrity. Premium additions enhance complexity while complementing base flavors.

A close-up of baked penne pasta mixed with sausage slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pin it
A close-up of baked penne pasta mixed with sausage slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves. | cookingkeys.com

Service Considerations

Professional presentation elevates this preparation to sophisticated status. Temperature consideration during service impacts texture significantly. Understanding proper portioning enhances guest experience. Strategic garnish placement maximizes visual impact. Creating balanced accompaniments maintains professional appearance while ensuring proper meal composition. Storage protocols between service periods significantly impact quality maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, but stick to medium shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Cooking time may vary slightly based on shape and size.

→ Why use broth instead of water?

Broth adds extra flavor as the pasta absorbs the liquid. It creates a richer taste than plain water would provide.

→ Can I use turkey sausage?

Yes, any type of Italian sausage works. Turkey or chicken sausage will make the dish lighter but still flavorful.

→ What if sauce is too thick?

Add small amounts of milk or reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency. Add gradually to avoid making it too thin.

→ Can I add vegetables?

Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work great. Add firmer vegetables with the onions, tender ones near the end of cooking.

Conclusion

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish that combines Italian sausage, penne pasta, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

A hearty one-pot pasta combining Italian sausage, penne, and a rich cheese sauce. Everything cooks together for maximum flavor and minimal dishes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb Italian sausage.
02 1 medium onion, diced.
03 3 cloves garlic, minced.
04 1 lb penne pasta.
05 4 cups chicken broth.
06 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes.
07 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
09 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
10 Salt and pepper to taste.
11 2 cups fresh spinach (optional).
12 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Slice sausage, chop vegetables, and measure out all ingredients.

Step 02

Brown sausage in large deep skillet or Dutch oven until golden.

Step 03

Cook onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 04

Add pasta, broth, tomatoes and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender.

Step 05

Stir in cheeses until melted. Add milk if needed for desired consistency.

Step 06

Season to taste, add optional herbs and serve.

Notes

  1. Broth adds more flavor than water.
  2. Can add vegetables at end.
  3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 570
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g