One Pot Sausage Pasta

When you need dinner fast but still want something hearty and satisfying, this One Pot Sausage Pasta is the answer. It has all the classic flavors of Italian sausage and peppers, tossed with pasta and marinara sauce, then topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella. The best part is the cleanup. Everything comes together in one skillet, so you get a comfort-food dinner that eats like a casserole without turning the kitchen upside down.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What makes this one-pan sausage pasta so good? 

Hate doing dishes? You’re not alone! Nothing ruins a great meal like knowing you’ll be stuck cleaning the kitchen after eating. That’s why one-pot meals are so popular these days.

This easy one-pot pasta recipe is not just quick and convenient but also darn delicious! It is so full of peppers, onions, sausage, and cheese that it tastes a lot like a stovetop casserole!

Italian Sausage Pasta Ingredients

To make this one pan sausage pasta recipe, you’ll need:

• Italian sausage – The main protein and flavor driver. Hot or sweet both work.
• White onion – Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Red bell pepper – Brings color and mild sweetness that complements the sausage.
• Olive oil – Helps sauté the vegetables and prevents sticking.
• Cooked short pasta – Penne, ziti, or bowties hold sauce well and stay hearty.
• Marinara sauce or pasta sauce – Creates the quick simmered base. Use your favorite jarred sauce.
• Italian seasoning blend – Adds herb flavor without needing multiple spices.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts into a gooey topping and gives casserole-style comfort.
• Optional garnish: Fresh basil or parsley.

Ingredient notes

Sweet or hot Italian sausage will work in this recipe. Choose the one you like more. 

Short pasta is best. Bowties, ziti, or penne pasta are all good choices. Save time by cooking the pasta in advance. Cooked pasta will last about three to four days in a covered container in the fridge.

You can use an inexpensive tomato sauce here since all the other ingredients give even the simplest sauce an incredible flavor.

You can use yellow onion instead of white onion for a milder onion flavor.

How to make an Italian pasta skillet

To prepare this one pan cheesy sausage pasta:

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large ovenproof skillet over medium to medium-high heat. It can take up to 20 minutes to thoroughly cook the sausages, so be patient. If you are worried about serving undercooked sausages, try cooking them in simmering water for about 8 minutes and then browning them in the pan. 

2. While the sausages are cooking, you will have plenty of time to prepare the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package. 
3. Place an oven rack in the top position and preheat the oven to 400°F if you plan to use the oven. Note: You must have an ovenproof skillet to do this. 
4. Chop the onions and red bell peppers into large pieces. 
5. Once the sausages are browned, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
6. Add some olive oil to the hot pan and saute the onions. When they soften, add the chopped red peppers and cook for a minute or two longer until the onions are translucent. Stir well to prevent burning. 

7. Chop the sausage into piece-sized pieces and add to the vegetables in the pan. 
8. Pour in the sauce and add the cooked pasta. 
9. Stir to coat the pasta. 
10. Simmer until the sauce is hot.
11. Sprinkle cheese on top 

12. Pop the ovenproof skillet in the oven, and cook until the cheese bubbles. 
13. Plate and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

What to serve with this pasta

Make the same sides you enjoy with pasta. Garlic bread, lightly dressed greens, or a Marinated Mozzarella Salad are all great choices. Do you want to get more creative? Why not try grilled broccolini, oven-roasted brussels sprouts, or sauteed asparagus? 

Variations 

To change up this one-pot pasta recipe, try swapping the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian crumble. Frozen meatballs are also a convenient option for adding protein.

You can also add some heavy cream to the pasta sauce for a creamier version.

Spice it up with some red pepper flakes.

Sprinkle some grated or shredded parmesan cheese on top for a little extra cheesy goodness.

How to store and reheat

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months. For the best texture, slightly undercook pasta by 1 minute before freezing.

Reheating:

• From thawed: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of sauce if needed.
• From frozen: Microwave on defrost or 50 percent power, stir, then heat in short bursts until hot.

More One-Pot Recipes

Do you love one-pot meals? Here are several more one-pot meals you are going to love:

• Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
• One Pot Chicken Alfredo
• Skillet Lasagna
• Smoked Sausage Hash

Favorite Pasta Recipes

• Brown Butter Pasta
• Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad
• Giant Pasta Shells
• Olive Garden Ziti
• Pasta con Broccoli
• Pasta Rustica
• Penne alla Vodka
• Spaghetti with Eggs

Check out my easy pasta recipes and the best Italian recipes on CopyKat!