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One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta: Quick Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of creamy sausage pasta made with rigatoni tubes coated in a rich, meaty sauce.
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Make this easy, creamy Italian sausage pasta in one pot for a satisfying weeknight dinner that minimizes cleanup. This recipe delivers comfort food flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the Italian sausage in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rigatoni pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier meal, substitute hot Italian sausage or add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • For a smoked sausage pasta skillet variation, use 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage instead of raw Italian sausage; brown it briefly before adding the onions.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, add a splash of milk or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/one-pot-creamy-italian-sausage-pasta/