Description
Okay, picture this: it’s been a long day, you’re tired, hungry, and the last thing you want to do is dirty every pot in your kitchen. Enter this absolute hero of a dish — One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta. We’re talking tender spiral pasta swimming in a rich, gooey cheese sauce with chunks of perfectly seasoned Italian sausage and just enough tomato to make it feel fancy. Everything cooks in one pot (hence the name, genius), which means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. It’s basically a warm hug in pasta form, and honestly, it might be the best thing that’s ever happened to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients
The Main Players:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your call)
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
The Cheese Situation:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
The Flavor Squad:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra cheese because obviously
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Remove sausage from casings and crumble into the pot. Cook until browned and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
Don’t move it around too much — let it get those beautiful golden bits that equal flavor town.
Add diced onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth.
Bring the whole thing to a boil, then add your pasta.
Stir well, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low.
Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the mozzarella and parmesan, stirring until everything is melty and gorgeous.
Taste and adjust seasoning — more salt? More pepper? You’re the boss here.
Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken up slightly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra cheese (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese).
Serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and amazing.
Notes
Pair with a simple Caesar salad and some garlic bread for the full comfort food experience.
A glass of red wine (Chianti or Sangiovese) cuts through the richness beautifully.
For the kids, serve with some steamed broccoli on the side — they’ll be too distracted by the cheese to complain.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~580 per serving
- Protein: ~25g