This creamy Italian sausage one pan pasta is the perfect easy pasta dinner for busy nights. With tender noodles coated in a rich, cheesy sauce and bits of savory sausage, it’s comfort food at its best. You only need one pan, and dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s a one pan meal, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- The creamy sauce clings beautifully to every pasta noodle.
- It’s hearty, filling, and full of cozy Italian flavor.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage : adds a rich, savory flavor and a touch of spice
- Pasta noodles : the base that absorbs the creamy sauce
- Heavy cream : makes the sauce velvety and smooth
- Parmesan cheese : adds sharp, salty richness
- Garlic : brings warm, aromatic flavor
- Onion : gives sweetness and depth
- Olive oil : helps brown the sausage perfectly
- Chicken broth : thins the sauce and adds savory taste
- Fresh basil : adds color and fresh aroma
- Crushed red pepper flakes : a touch of heat to balance the creaminess
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, stirring often.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add pasta noodles directly into the sauce mixture. Stir well and cover. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve warm.
Mistakes To Avoid
To make your creamy Italian sausage one pan pasta turn out perfect every time, watch out for these common mistakes.
- Do not overcook the pasta noodles. They should be tender but still slightly firm to hold the sauce well.
- Avoid adding all the cheese too early. Stir it in at the end so it melts smoothly into the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple salad or warm biscuits. For a Southern twist, try serving it with these quick buttery biscuits and black eyed peas. If you love hearty flavors, check out Texas black eyed peas or a comforting black eyed peas and ground beef recipe. They make a wonderful balance with the creamy richness of the pasta.
Creamy Italian Sausage One Pan Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor and a touch of spice
- Pasta noodles absorbs the creamy sauce
- Heavy cream makes the sauce velvety and smooth
- Parmesan cheese adds sharp, salty richness
- Garlic brings warm, aromatic flavor
- Onion gives sweetness and depth
- Olive oil helps brown the sausage
- Chicken broth adds savory taste and thins the sauce
- Fresh basil adds color and aroma
- Crushed red pepper flakes adds heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, stirring often.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add pasta noodles directly into the sauce mixture. Stir well and cover. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes! You can use spicy sausage, mild sausage, or even chicken sausage. Each will change the flavor slightly but still keep the dish delicious. For a lighter version, turkey sausage also works well. The key is to brown it nicely so it adds deep flavor to the sauce.
Can I make this creamy Italian sausage one pan pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for easy pasta dinners or packed lunches.
Can I make this dish for one person?
Yes, this is one of the best pasta dishes for one because you can easily scale it down. Use half the pasta, cream, and sausage portions. Cook it in a smaller pan and enjoy a cozy, creamy meal that feels special without much effort.
Conclusion
This creamy Italian sausage one pan pasta is a true comfort classic that brings restaurant flavor to your kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready fast — the ideal choice for sausage recipes for dinner or when you crave a warm, indulgent pasta. Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can enjoy it anytime you want an easy pasta dinner that tastes like home.
