Name: One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli); 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream (or milk); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt & black pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a one-pot meal that comes together in no time, delivers incredible flavor, and requires minimal cleanup. And this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta checks all the boxes! Imagine savory, juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all cooked together in one pot. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this dish will not disappoint. The flavors blend beautifully, the cheese melts into a velvety sauce, and every bite is packed with cozy, hearty goodness. Plus, it’s a super flexible recipe—you can swap ingredients, adjust the spice level, or sneak in extra veggies for a wholesome twist.

I first made this pasta on a hectic weeknight when I had zero energy for an elaborate dinner. I wanted something quick, satisfying, and rich in flavor—but without the extra dishes. After a little experimenting, I landed on this one-pot magic, and now, it’s a staple in my kitchen. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same!

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

One pot = fewer dishes – No need to juggle multiple pans! Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, so you can have a delicious meal on the table fast.
Ultra creamy & cheesy – The combination of melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a hint of cream creates an irresistibly rich sauce.
Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults! The mild, cheesy flavor is perfect for picky eaters.
Highly customizable – Want to add veggies? Prefer a spicier kick? Need it to be gluten-free? No problem—this recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand!
Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta – Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works best. They hold onto the sauce and cook evenly in the broth.
Sausage – Italian sausage adds incredible flavor. You can use mild, spicy, or even a turkey or plant-based alternative.
Cheese – A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan creates the perfect creamy, melty texture.
Aromatics – Onion and garlic build a flavorful base for the sauce.
Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat).
Diced tomatoes – These add depth and a slight tang to balance the richness.
Chicken broth – Cooks the pasta right in the pot, infusing it with flavor.
Heavy cream (or milk) – Adds an extra layer of creaminess to the sauce.
Optional Add-ins – Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers make great additions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, get everything ready:

Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Slice the sausage if it’s in links, or remove it from the casing.
Measure out your pasta, broth, and seasonings so everything is ready to go.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once browned, remove excess grease if needed, but leave about a tablespoon for flavor.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Cook the Pasta Right in the Pot

Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot.
Give everything a good stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Make It Extra Creamy & Cheesy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or milk).
Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

6. Final Touches & Serving

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra red pepper flakes.
If you’re adding spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt.
Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh chopped basil or parsley.

Tips & Tricks for the Best One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Keep an eye on the liquid – Different pasta shapes absorb liquid differently. If your pasta looks too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash of broth as needed.
Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy texture, grate your own!
Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it continues absorbing sauce after cooking, take it off the heat when it’s just al dente.
Make it extra rich – Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a little butter for added richness.
Reheat with a splash of milk – This helps bring back the creamy texture if leftovers thicken up in the fridge.

Fun Variations & Customizations

Vegetarian – Swap the sausage for mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for a delicious meat-free version.
Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Gluten-Free – Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind, gluten-free pasta may cook faster, so adjust the liquid as needed.
Lighter Version – Use turkey sausage and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a little Greek yogurt.
Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale for a boost of nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy sausage pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious pairings:

A fresh green salad – A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness.
Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Roasted vegetables – A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus pairs beautifully.
For a family-style dinner – Serve it with a side of homemade breadsticks and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Freeze – This pasta freezes well! Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs :

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works best, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments in liquid and cooking time. If using spaghetti or fettuccine, break it into smaller pieces to cook evenly.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen up the sauce.
Freeze: Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

4. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use:

Turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Spicy sausage if you love extra heat.
Vegetarian or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.

5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No problem! You can substitute with:

Half-and-half for a lighter option.
Milk (preferably whole milk) for a slightly thinner sauce.
Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a tangy, rich alternative.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, try:

Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Adding extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Stirring in a dash of hot sauce or chili paste for an extra kick.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Some great veggie additions include:

Spinach or kale – Stir it in at the end for added nutrients.
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini – Sauté them with the onions for extra texture.
Cherry tomatoes – Add them for a fresh, slightly tangy burst of flavor.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels, as gluten-free pasta can absorb liquid differently. You may need to adjust the amount of broth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that’s sure to please the whole family, this One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a must-try. It’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend dinner.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! If you make this, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations!