Italian sausage pasta is one of the quickest penne pasta recipes that you'll find. You mix it, cook it, and serve it in less than 20 minutes. And if that's not enough to make this one of your favorite pasta with Italian sausage recipes, you only have one pot or skillet to clean.
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Why you'll love this recipe...
The ingredients are bare minimum although the one-pot dinner is loaded with flavor. The hot Italian sausage is spicy and the diced tomatoes and sauce infuse the penne pasta with a delightful piquancy.
You won't be able to stop nibbling on the delicious pasta. This is comfort food at its best!
Ease and taste, it doesn't get better than this. Give it a try, we promise you'll be completely satisfied. ????
Ingredients
- Hot Italian pork sausage
- Diced tomatoes with basil
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Penne pasta - uncooked
- Water
- Parmesan cheese
One pot Italian sausage pasta the importance of the meat
This sausage ragù with pasta is a simple one pot dinner dish that relies solely on the quality of the ingredients. The most important ingredient is the sausage. Did you think I was going to say pasta? Well, a good quality penne pasta is second in importance. It's the hot Italian pork sausage that gives this easy recipe its amazing taste.
Can you substitute with another type of meat?
You could, but then you wouldn't have Italian sausage pasta or the fabulous seasoning that comes with that meat.
A good alternate that we've found is the spicy seasoned Italian chicken sausage. That would be excellent in this recipe.
If you or your family don't like spicy food you could get a milder Italian sausage and it would still be good. We bought our sausage in bulk -- you could buy the links and remove the casing.
The penne for a one-pot pasta recipe
We used imported Italian penne pasta for this recipe. Again, it's the quality of the ingredients that makes the recipe so delicious.
The ingredients in the pasta.
- What wheat the pasta maker uses makes a big difference. At your favorite grocery store, look at the ingredients that are printed on the pasta boxes. The pasta we used had only two ingredients -- organic durum wheat semolina and water.
- The water that the pasta maker uses is also important. Our brand takes pure mountain spring water that produces a fine dough. You don't want any "off" tastes coming from the water.
- Another old world practice that the artisan pasta makers use is to extrude the dough through bronze dies to create a rough texture.
Why you want a rough texture on your pasta:
- cooks to al dente every time.
- holds the sauce beautifully.
Here's a good place to learn a little bit more about the history of pasta.
The tomatoes for the pasta with the Italian sausage
If you start with quality seasoned canned tomatoes and a good brand tomato sauce you're recipe will be a success.
The ingredients already have salt in them so we didn't find it necessary to add any more.
We did add a pinch of hot pepper flakes just because. ???????? The pasta really didn't need it, we just like it spicy.
Once we had all the ingredients together, the dish cooked up quickly! This is one meal that will become a regular at our house. I wish our kids and grandkids would have been around to taste it. ????
And speaking of tasting, Honey said he had to do some quality control once I was done with the one-pot Italian Sausage Pasta. But I don't think he had to do it five times, do you? In fact, I had to remove the temptation away from him or we wouldn't have had dinner that evening. ????
The final ingredient - parmesan cheese
Once the pasta absorbs all of the liquid and it turns into a yummy sauce, the one-pot dinner is done.
Sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the penne pasta recipe and stir in.
That's it! You're done!
You can make it ahead of time -- the dish tastes great reheated.
I made this recipe early in the afternoon and I reheated it later that evening. It tasted just as good as when I first made it. Nope, not just as, it was even better!
We hope you make this one pot recipe. We can guarantee that it'll become a favorite. Just keep the simple ingredients in your pantry, well not the sausage, but the rest and you'll always be able to whip up a delicious dish at a moments notice.
More simple recipes to make in no time
- Spinach Tortellini in Light Homemade Alfredo Sauce
- Roasted Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Parmesan, Capers, and Basil
- Penne Arrabbiata
- Farro With Tomatoes Easy Italian One-Pan Dish
- Italian Drunken Noodles With Homemade Pappardelle Pasta
These recipes are easy to make and perfect weeknight dishes!
Tutti a tavola è pronto! ????
Un caro saluto, e alla prossima.
FOR THIS RECIPE YOU MAY NEED:
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This brand of penne pasta is similar to the one we use. Spending a bit more for pasta makes such a difference. The pasta is exactly like it should be, al dente and holding the delicious sauce and sausage. This order comes in 5 - 1 pound packages. At the time we only bought a 1-pound package. Do you have a favorite brand?
Italian Sausage Pasta A Zesty 20 Minute One-Pot Dinner
Every now and then you come across a recipe that is not only easy but also tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Common ingredients will give you a one-skillet penne pasta dinner that will become a family favorite. You can make this ahead of time. Just warm it in the oven and serve. Just add a salad and some fresh bread to the meal and you have an incredible one pot dinner with little effort.
Next time try our Baked Eggplant Parm with Italian Sausage. It's another no fuss recipe that the family will love.
And if you have leftover spaghetti, try our Easy Spaghetti Pie recipe. You'll want to make extra pasta just so you can make this delicious busy weeknight meal.
We love our one-pot meals. If you do too, you're going to love our One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe. It combines the rich buttery flavor of caramelized onions with savory beefy flavored infused. pasta. And if you're looking for a chicken dinner, you must try our Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta dish that is easy and cheesy. Truly a family favorite.
If you like this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating.
📖 Recipe
ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA A ZESTY 20 MINUTE ONE-POT DINNER
Ingredients
- ¾ lb Hot Italian pork sausage broken into pieces
- ½ onion minced
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes Seasoned with basil, garlic, oregano, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta uncooked
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broken sausage and minced onion; cook about 5 minutes. With a wooden spoon keep the sausage in pieces. Drain and return to skillet.
- Add the undrained tomatoes, sauce, water, red pepper flakes, and penne pasta to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the liquid to a boil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve with more parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
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Joanne
This one of my go to meals, delicious and simple and I always have these ingredients in my pantry. Highly recommend trying this recipe.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Joanne! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. I'm coming up with several varieties of one-pot meals with chicken and other proteins, so stay tuned. Love the convenience of a good dish with easy clean-up!! Have a wonderful day.
Rene
I made this today with the Beyond Meat 'sausage'. So quick and easy. Thanks 👍
Marisa Franca
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Rene! I'll have to try it your way too.xoxo
Jasmine | Midsummer Life Dream
Sounds and looks delicious! And easy. I normally cook the pasta separately, but all in one pot is so much easier, considering I don't have a dishwasher at the moment.
Marisa Franca
I agree, Jasmine! I always made the pasta separately but this recipe works like a dream.
Leslie Susan Clingan
Wow, wish I had seen this recipe about 8 hours ago when I was trying to decide what to fix for dinner. I even have all of the ingredients! Looks scrumptious. Thank you for sharing it at the #blogginggrandmothers link up party.
Arlene Mobley
This looks amazing and so easy to make!
Lois Christensen
I'm always looking for recipes that are prepared fast! Thanks!
Jolina
One pan and ready in less than an hour. Hard to beat that! And it looks so delicious too. We always have Italian sausage on hand so this is perfect.
Denise
One pot meals are the best! Your pasta looks incredibly good!
Veena Azmanov
Cant wait to try your recipe for my family. Pasta is one of their favorite meal.
Gloria
I love the combination of pasta and sausage. This looks like a winner dinner for the family. So much better than getting takeout. I would make a double batch..so we could have it again another day too. Perfect freezer meal.
Sharon Bobeczko
We are staying in a suites hotel for eight weeks while my husband undergoes radiation therapy. I love to cook and he is gluten and lactose intolerant so I am always looking for a new one pot dish. I came armed with my Instant Pot (actually two of them!) so I am ready to make meals that are healthy and meet hubby's diet restrictions. Thank you so much for this. I just make it without the Parmesan and add cheese to my portion.
Marisa Franca
That sounds like a wonderful idea, Sharon. Saying a prayer for you and your Hubby!!
Tracy
Oh wow I have never thought about all of the pieces that go into an artisan pasta! The water and the bronze, oh my gosh. I need to get some but I'm also worried it'll change my life forever so that I wont be able to eat anything else. What an incredible looking dish!
Sylvia
Yummy! Love Pasta! Thanks for linking up with us at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 29
Cheese Curd In Paradise
One-pot dinners are everything in my house on a busy night! I love the hearty pasta and sausage- my boys would love this meal!
Kelly
So easy and easy cleanup! I modified with rice instead of pasta and it was also a crowd pleaser!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kelly!! I'm so glad to hear that. Thank you for letting us know about the rice. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Gloria
We all need quick and delicious meals for busy weeknights. I can eat pasta every day. Sasauge and pasta are the perfect match here. I know hubby would love this, and the leftovers would be great for lunches too.
Anne Lawton
I love one pot dinners, especially when pasta and sausage are involved!
Monica | Nourish & Fete
This looks and sounds positively mouth-watering - and I love that it can be made ahead and reheated! I also am jealous that you can buy your Italian sausage in bulk - I will have to look for a source for that, because it would be so wonderful to always have it on hand!
Paige
Looks really delicious and I bet you could freeze it well too, or make it in advance. Love the fresh basil garnish!
Sues
Gorgeous pasta!! I love all that black pepper and basil on top 🙂 This is basically what I crave every single night of the week!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Sues! We do love our pasta and then zing it up with hot sausage -- YUM!
Meredith
What a delicious sounding pasta dish... and we all need more quick and easy meals like this for busy weeknights! Thank you!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Meredith! I love sharing recipes.
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago
This looks delicious! I love that it's a one-pot recipe - so great for weeknight meals!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Kathryn! Not only do adults love the taste, but the little ones too.
Jordan
Well hello, one pot perfection! This is my favorite kind of dinner – simple, flavorful, and easy to clean up. I just picked up some chicken sausage at Trader Joe's that I think would go great in this!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Jordan! You go for it!! I bet Giotto's sausage will be fantastic.
Michelle
You are so right, the better quality the ingredients the better the dish. I think this is especially true for tinned tomatoes and pasta. It really is worth paying that bit more if you can. This looks like such a rich and tasty dish, perfect for a great weeknight dinner.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Michelle! It is amazing that so few ingredients can make such a delightful dish. xoxo
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
You are so right about using top quality ingredients when it comes to simple Italian recipes like this beautiful pasta you made. Makes a wonderful weeknight dinner!
Jenni
Wow! Not only is this recipe absolutely delicious sounding, but this post is so informative!
Ciao Chow Linda
Now I'm hungry for your pasta -- and it's only 8 a.m. here! As always, a delicious meal you've prepared.
Kate
What a beautiful hearty pasta dish! I love penne. My family probably eats pasta once a week. So good! I love the red pepper flakes addition.
Catherine
Dear Marisa, This looks absolutely delicious...I love meals like this. I know my family would absolutely love this!
Karyl Henry
I love that you make this as a one-pot dish! I swear every time I cook my kitchen looks like a disaster zone 🙂 I love spicy Italian sausage too...definitely adding this dish to my meal plan
swathi
These are perfect dinner meal for busy week nights, best part is that it is loaded with flavor and also we can make it in one pot.
Priya Srinivasan
That looks yumm! Perfect for those busy nights or on a relaxing weekend, love that 20 Minutes tag!!!
Marisa Franca
You are so right, Priya! It was so good we're planning on making it again very soon.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
Pasta in 20 minutes and one pot got me interested! Love this for a weeknight dinner. I am always rushed for time for the dinner and these are a lifesaver.
Marisa Franca
Absolutely, Sandhya!Quick and easy clean-up is fantastic.
Clearissa Coward
Thank you for an idea for today's dinner. I have all of the ingredients in the house! Well, all except for the fresh cheese but will get that as well. Thank you.
Susie
Hi Marisa, You know this is my kind of dinner....one dish and delicious! Plus, it’s easy to always have these ingredients stocked for a quick meal. As a matter of fact, we tried your receipt two nights ago.....Delish????
Thanks......enjoyed your video????
Lynda Duguay
I make a similar dish, but add spinach and olives. I have been known to also add sliced carrots and mushrooms or feta cheese mixed instead of parmesan.
Marisa Franca
Hy, Lynda! Don't you love how easy it is?! Just throw it in the pot. xoxo
Gloria
I love pairing sausage and pasta....and spicy sausage for sure in this house. This is a great dinner, and I would be happy serving this to guests too. Bring on the wine...party on!!
Veena Azmanov
I love Italian sausage so I know this will taste awesome. Love how simple and easy this is to make. I'm going to try this soon when I get my hands on some Italian sausages. yum!
Veena Azmanov
Oh, wow.. you had me at 20 mins. This is my kinda meal on busy days when I'm busy with a cake and still have to make lunch before kids get home from school. Love how easy this is Marisa.
Lauren
I was sold at '20 minutes' but then add in the fact that it's all in one pot and I'm hooked!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lauren! I'm with you. Love speedy.
Pavani
Love this spicy, hearty and comforting pasta dish. Making it in one pot makes it so much more easy and convenient.
Diane P.
Made this after I watched your facebook video. It was equally easy and delicious. My son finished it up the next day, and said it was even better after it sat overnight!! He loved the flavor. Thanks for this fantastic post, Marisa!
Jovina
Love Italian sausage mixed with everything. Your recipe looks delicious and the photo is a beauty.