Looking for a quick yet delicious meal? Try my One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta! This dish combines penne pasta, tasty Italian chicken sausage, and juicy diced tomatoes—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. You’ll love the rich flavors and creamy texture that makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Stick around as I share simple instructions, tips, and variations to make this meal your own!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: This one pot dish allows you to prepare a hearty meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will love.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is cooked in one pot, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a pile of dishes to wash afterward.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile; you can easily swap out the protein or veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), with juices
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The penne pasta gives a nice texture. Italian chicken sausage adds rich flavor. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness. Chicken broth makes the pasta tender and juicy.
For added color and nutrients, baby spinach works well. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds depth.
The olive oil helps cook the veggies and sausage. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. Salt and pepper? They enhance every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to turn soft and translucent.
Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook these together for another 2 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Cooking the Sausage
Now it’s time to cook the sausage. Move the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot. This makes space for the sausage. Add 1 pound of Italian chicken sausage, making sure to break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the sausage to brown and be no longer pink.
Combining Ingredients
Once the sausage is cooked, it’s time to combine everything. Stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Also, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed.
After cooking, remove the pot from the heat. Fold in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Let the dish sit for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt and the spinach wilt.
Before serving, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice flavor boost!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Ensure pasta doesn’t stick: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from clumping together and helps it cook evenly. If you notice it starting to stick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
– Adjust seasoning to taste: After cooking, taste your dish. If it needs more flavor, you can add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. Remember, everyone’s taste is different, so you can make it just how you like!
Serving Suggestions
– Presentation tips: Serve your pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look nice and helps with portion control. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top and add a few fresh spinach leaves for color. A pop of green always looks great on the plate!
– Pairing with sides or drinks: This cheesy sausage pasta pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon can enhance the meal. Enjoy your tasty creation with family or friends for a delightful dining experience!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baby spinach and quality Italian sausage will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for locally sourced or organic ingredients whenever possible for the best taste.
- Adjust for Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage. This can give your cheesy pasta a delightful kick.
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. This ensures even cooking and a perfect texture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with cheeses can lead to delightful discoveries in your one-pot dish!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the sausage for your taste. Try turkey sausage or even spicy sausage. Each option brings a new flavor. You can also switch the penne pasta. Fusilli or rotini work well too. These shapes hold the sauce nicely.
Add-ins
Want more veggies? Add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. They cook well with the pasta. You can also play with cheese. Try cheddar or pepper jack for a twist. Mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available now. You can also make a vegetarian version. Swap the sausage for plant-based options or chickpeas. This keeps it filling and tasty.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store any leftover One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Cool the pasta before sealing it. Label your container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space in the container. The pasta will expand as it freezes. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to heat evenly. For the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat over low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the pasta moist. Enjoy your meal just like when it was fresh!
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they might differ from penne.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, swap the Italian chicken sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth as a great alternative. It will keep the dish rich and flavorful. Water can work in a pinch, but it may lack depth.
How long does leftover pasta last?
Leftover pasta can last for about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
This blog post covered all the key steps to making a tasty pasta dish. We explored the main and optional ingredients, like penne pasta and Italian chicken sausage. Preparing the dish involves simple steps, from sautéing veggies to boiling pasta. I shared tips for cooking and serving, and we discussed fun variations and storage options.
In the end, this dish is adaptable and can fit many tastes. You can enjoy it today, tomorrow, or when you want to impress guests. Happy cookin
