One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is an irresistibly easy dinner and packed with incredible flavor! Al dente pasta and Italian sausage are smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. It’s a hearty one pot dinner the whole family will love, even the picky eaters.

The best part is that this Italian Sausage Pasta requires simple ingredients, there is no cream cheese AND is ready in under an hour! A family favorite!

For more Italian classics, try my Grandpa Frank’s Spaghetti Sauce, this Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe, or my Easy Italian Wedding Soup.

Key Ingredients

• Penne pasta – The ridges and large center of penne pasta make it ideal for holding more creamy sauce.
• Olive oil – You’ll use a dash of olive oil to cook the sausage for this recipe.
• Italian sausage – Use bulk sausage or sausage links. Use mild Italian sausage or make a spicy sausage pasta.
• Shallots – Shallots – If you’ve never tried shallots, now is the time, they have a delicate and sweet flavor, but you may use white or yellow onions if desired.
• Diced tomatoes – Canned diced or crushed tomatoes are a classic addition to the creamy ingredients. Use regular or fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Seasoning – You will season the pasta recipe with garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. At the end of cooking, you will also sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. For instance, add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a higher spice level. Or omit this ingredient if you aren’t a fan of heat.
• Half and half – Half and half create the creamy sauce in which your pasta and sausage are smothered. If necessary, use Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or even coconut milk as a substitute.
• Grated parmesan – Grated parmesan is mixed into the pasta which adds to the creaminess, much like Alfredo sauce. I recommend grating a good quality Parmesan cheese for the most authentic taste.
• Basil – Garnish the Italian pasta with fresh basil leaves. If you don’t have fresh basil, use one teaspoon of dried basil instead.
• Water or chicken broth – Pour in some water to add to the sauce to thin if needed. Use chicken broth, instead, if you want a more robust flavor.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pasta

Option 1 | One-Pot Method

How could you turn down the chance to use just one pot for an entire family dinner, like this easy One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe.

Step 1 – Saute veggies and sausage

Add olive oil, shallot (or chopped onion), and savory sausage to a large pot. Next, cook the meat over medium-high heat and crumble it as you go. After about 10 minutes or less, the meat should be cooked through.

Then, pour the can of tomatoes, garlic powder, and dried oregano into the same pot. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 2 – Cook the pasta

Next, pour in about three cups of water, chicken broth, or a combination. Toss in the pasta, pushing it down into the liquid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes or less.

Be sure to stir the recipe every few minutes to prevent the pasta and other ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Adding more water or broth as needed. The goal is to keep the pasta covered with liquid so it boils evenly and entirely.

Once the noodles are al dente, add the half and half and some freshly grated parmesan cheese. Cook for another five minutes, then it’s ready to be served! Add your finishing touches with basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Option 2 | Cook Pasta Separate

Start your delicious dish by cooking the pasta noodles, al dente according to package directions.

If you’re using sausage links, remove the casings, then add the meat to a large saucepan or large skillet. Set the burner to medium-high heat and add olive oil and the shallot.

Cook while crumbling the mild or hot Italian sausage, using a flat wooden spoon or meat chopper. The sausage will take around 7 to 10 minutes to be fully cooked.

Then, toss in the can of diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Lower the temperature and simmer the meat in the seasonings for about 15 minutes.

Once the flavors have melded together, pour your half-and-half into the saucepan or skillet. Sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese, add the cooked pasta and sauce, then cook for another five minutes. Be sure to stir the final recipe well so the pasta is smothered in the creamy Italian sauce.

Lastly, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese. ENJOY!

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap the Pasta – If preferred, you can switch the type of pasta by using bowties, spirals, or another variation. Just be sure to cook it according to the instructions on the packaging.
• Use Different Sausage – Give this recipe a personal twist using your favorite sausage, like chicken, kielbasa, or Andouille sausage and maybe even replace the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning, like my Instant Pot Jambalaya (so good!)
• Add More Veggies – Toss in shredded or diced zucchini, red bell pepper, fresh spinach, or mushrooms for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
• Make it Creamier – Swap the half and half for heavy cream if you’d like an extra creamy pasta that further enhances the Italian seasoning.
• Add more tomato flavor – After sautéing the shallots and sausage, remove sausage, stir in a small can of tomato paste. Don’t forget to return the sausage to the pot.

Storage Tips

Freeze after cooling in an airtight container up to 3 months. While the cream may get a curdled appearance after freezing, it doesn’t impact the flavor and taste. When reheating, follow make-ahead instructions.

Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. Then, reheat it in the microwave on the stove when you’re ready to serve it again! Add a splash of cream, water or chicken broth

Frequently Asked Questions

Gluten-Free One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

Substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta, my favorite brand is Tinkyada (no mushy gluten-free pasta for me) or Trader Joe’s GF pasta‘s. Make sure your sausage and seasonings are gluten-free.

More Easy Weeknight Meal Recipes

• Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers with Spicy Ale Mustard
• French Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe
• Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe
• No Rise Pizza Dough
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe

I hope you loved this one pot Italian Sausage Pasta — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!