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Creamy one-pan sausage pasta loaded with browned Italian sausage, garlic, parmesan, herbs, and tender pasta coated in a rich silky sauce.

One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta

This One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta is creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and loaded with bold sausage flavor in every bite. A fast comfort food dinner that tastes rich and restaurant-quality with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 2 cups pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins
  • Fresh spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Sun dried tomatoes
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

Prep
  1. Remove sausage casing if needed
  2. Mince garlic
  3. Dice onion
  4. Grate parmesan fresh for best melting
  5. Measure broth and cream ahead of time
Instructions
  1. Brown the Sausage
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add sausage and break it apart while cooking.
  4. Cook until deeply browned with crispy edges, about 6–8 minutes.
  5. Add butter and diced onion. Cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  6. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  2. Add dry pasta directly into the skillet.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 10–14 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
  5. Pasta should absorb flavor while releasing starch into the sauce.
Finish the Sauce
  1. Lower heat and stir in parmesan cheese slowly until melted and creamy.
  2. If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a little broth or cream.
  3. Add spinach or sun dried tomatoes if using.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Fresh grated parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese
  • Browning the sausage properly creates huge flavor
  • A spoonful of tomato paste deepens the entire sauce
  • Stir occasionally while simmering so pasta cooks evenly
  • Red pepper flakes balance the richness perfectly
  • Let the pasta sit 2–3 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens fully
  • Spicy Italian sausage makes this next level