Go Back
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450g) Italian chicken sausage, casings removed - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil Measuring ingredients exactly helps your dish turn out great. Use a kitchen scale for precision. If you don't have penne, any short pasta works well. Swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option. Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen, just thaw it first. If you want a bolder taste, use more garlic or add red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Diced tomatoes bring richness and acidity. Using fresh garlic and onion boosts the dish’s aroma. Choose high-quality cheese for the best melt and creaminess. When you use fresh foods, your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta will taste better and be more satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450g) Italian chicken sausage, casings removed - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. This helps the cooking go smoothly. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it turns clear, around 3–4 minutes. Next, add the garlic and red bell pepper. Cook them for another 2 minutes. The smell will be great! Now, push the veggies to one side of the pot. Add the sausage. Break it up with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown, about 5–7 minutes. After that, stir in the penne pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally. This helps the pasta cook well and not stick. When the pasta is tender, take the pot off the heat. Gently mix in the fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cooking Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes - Servings: 4 Keep the heat medium when you start, then lower it for simmering. This makes the pasta cook just right! To boost the taste of your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a nice touch. - Add red pepper flakes: If you like heat, sprinkle some in. - Sauté vegetables longer: Cooking the onion and pepper until caramelized brings out sweetness. - Use homemade broth: If possible, homemade chicken broth adds depth. - Finish with lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens the dish and balances flavors. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for: - Not stirring enough: Stirring prevents pasta from sticking to the pot. - Skipping the salt: Don't forget to season the broth. It makes a big difference. - Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time, so it stays al dente. - Adding cheese too early: Wait until the end to mix in cheese for a creamy finish. Need to adjust the recipe? Here’s how: - For 2 servings: Use 6 oz of pasta and half the sausage. - For 6 servings: Increase to 18 oz of pasta and 1.5 lbs of sausage. - Scaling other ingredients: Keep the same ratios for broth, veggies, and cheese. - Cooking time: The time stays close, but always check for doneness. Pro Tips Tip for Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta until it is al dente. This ensures it retains some bite and doesn’t become mushy once combined with the sauce. Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality Italian chicken sausage for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of sausage, like spicy or sweet, to suit your taste. Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh basil or parsley at the end for a burst of flavor and freshness, elevating the dish even further. Cheese Variations: Mix in different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist on the classic cheesy flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the Italian chicken sausage for other proteins. Ground turkey works well. It will keep the dish light and tasty. If you prefer beef, go for a lean ground beef. Cook it until it's browned, just like the sausage. For a spicier kick, try chorizo. It adds a rich flavor that makes the dish exciting. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use more veggies instead. Mushrooms are great for a hearty texture. You can also add zucchini, eggplant, or any veggies you like. Replace the sausage with canned chickpeas for protein. They add a nice bite and blend well with the pasta. You can easily change the pasta type. Penne is a classic choice, but feel free to try others. Fusilli or rotini will hold the sauce well. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just check the cooking time, as it may vary. Each type gives a unique twist to the dish, so have fun with it! To keep your One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, take your leftover pasta from the fridge. Place it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it heat evenly. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your pasta, do it right after cooking. Make sure it’s cool first. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Use dairy-free cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also skip the cheese altogether. The dish will still taste great, just lighter. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. Adding more vegetables is easy! You can include chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots. Peas or broccoli work well too. Just toss them in with the onions during cooking. This adds color, taste, and nutrients to your meal. You can serve this pasta with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It soaks up the extra sauce. If you want a heartier meal, add roasted vegetables on the side. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for making One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta. We discussed how to measure, substitute, and choose fresh ingredients to boost flavor. The step-by-step cooking instructions made the process simple and fun. We shared tips to avoid common mistakes and adjust serving sizes. The variations section allowed for creativity with proteins and pasta types. Lastly, proper storage tips helped keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is about joy and creativity. Enjoy your delicious dish!

One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with cheesy goodness and Italian sausage.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until translucent.
  • Add the garlic and red bell pepper to the pot, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Push the vegetable mixture to the side of the pot and add the sausage. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in the penne pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese until well mixed.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

Let the dish sit for a few minutes to enhance flavors.
Keyword cheesy, one pot, pasta, sausage