This Italian Sausage Pasta is an amazing one pot meal that the entire family will love. I hope you enjoy this easy weeknight dinner idea.
You won’t believe it but this recipe took me less than 30 minutes to create for my family! It is one of my families favorite Italian Dishes that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
The delicious sauce is easy to make with simple ingredients. You must also check out this One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe or Roasted Red Pepper Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
My kids loved this meal and I loved that it was easy and nutritious too. It doesn’t take a ton of time to create a delicious meal for your family to enjoy together.
The ingredients can be changed to what you prefer. We have even served this for friends and there was nothing left in the pan.
Ingredients
Here is all you need to create this easy, nutritious and delicious meal for your family.
- Ground Italian Sausage – You can use pork sausage or ground beef as an easy substitute
- Onion – The Best Onion Substitutes if you are out.
- Garlic Cloves, minced – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves with fresh garlic
Now that you’re prepared with all the necessary ingredients, let’s learn how to create this nutritious and easy recipe. Scroll to see the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Pasta – You can easily use other types of pasta to make this recipe. Bowtie, Rotini or Rigatoni also work great.
- Seasoning – Substitute the seasoning with the Italian Seasoning Blend. For extra hint of spice add in red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Heavy Cream –Heavy cream can be added for a creamier texture.
- Veggies – This is a great recipe to sneak in vegetables. Slice mushrooms, broccoli, spinach or bell peppers are always a great option.
- Chicken Broth – If you prefer a thinner broth, you can add in chicken broth or dry white wine.
How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta
Step 1 – In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to break it apart, until it is thoroughly browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
Step 2 – Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3 – Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 4 – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5 – While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 6 – Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 7 – Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend further.
- Step 8 – Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Combining Sauce Ingredients – Cook the ground beef and with the sauce and seasoning on a low simmer. This meat sauce to thicken to create a delicious easy pasta recipe.
- Pasta – Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Sausage Pasta is delicious served with your favorite side dish. I love to serve with Easy Caesar Salad Recipe and Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe.
Another family favorite is Air Fryer Broccoli or Oven Roasted Asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you cook the Italian Sausage prior to starting this recipe. This is a great
Store leftover pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta dish will last about 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish. Store in a freezer safe container for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve again.
Reheat the Italian Sausage Pasta in the microwave in 30 second intervals. You can also reheat in the skillet depending on how much you have leftover.
More Easy Delicious Skillet Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make this Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh Basil Leaves (thinly sliced for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to break it apart, until it is thoroughly browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend further.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!