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    Home > Easy One Pot Meals

    Published: Oct 3, 2022 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 20 Comments

    Creamy Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta (One Pot)


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    pin with close up of a plate with one pot spicy italian sausage pasta

    This spicy Italian sausage pasta smothered in a delicious creamy sauce is prepared in 30 minutes in one pot, making one of those easy dinner ideas ideal for busy weeknights. 

    a plate with spicy sausage pasta with a spoon picking up part of the pasta

    Spicy Sausage Pasta Recipe

    This pasta recipe is bursting with spicy flavor and a creamy sauce consistency!

    We used a hot or spicy Italian sausage but you can replace it with a mild type if you prefer, or even with linguiça (mildly spicy pork sausage from Portugal, very popular in Brazil).  

    If you don't have bow tie pasta (or farfalle) at home, you can use pasta shells, orecchiette, mini penne, or mezzi rigatoni instead which will hold well our light creamy sauce.  

    Because this pasta meal is all made using just one pot, it also makes it mess-free.

    Serve it as a main dish that can pair well with a side of crusty bread, cooked vegetables, or a fresh salad. 

    For making it a complete dish, you can add baby spinach to the pasta, 2-3 minutes before cook time comes to the end.  

    As if it wasn't enough, our one-pot sausage pasta (macarronada com linguiça calabresa) is made with everyday ingredients and is budget-friendly. 

    All you have to do is lightly brown the sausage, sweat the onions and garlic, add a chunky tomato sauce, chicken broth, pasta, and salt, and then cook everything together at once.

    To finish the dish, stir in the heavy cream and serve with Parmesan and parsley on top. What could be easier than that?

    This family favorite simple meal is ready in less than 30 minutes. 

    dish serve in a pan and 2 plates on a table

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    You will need the following ingredients to make this creamy pasta dish:

    For the Creamy Sausage Pasta:

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or mild vegetable oil)
    • 1 lb of your favorite hot or spicy Italian sausage, sliced (or you can replace it with chorizo, bratwurst linguiça, or andouille. If you are not a fan of heat,  use a mild sausage)
    • 1 large yellow onion, small diced
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable stock) 
    • 2 cups chunky tomato sauce (I used Ragú® Chunky Tomato Garlic & Onion Sauce)
    • 1 teaspoon salt, or more if desired
    • 12 oz dry bowtie or farfalle pasta ( or you can use pasta shells, orecchiette, mini penne, or mezzi rigatoni instead)
    • ⅓ cup of heavy cream (TIP: For a creamier pasta, add also 4 oz of room temperature cream cheese, cut into chunks)

    Toppings:

    • Grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2-3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley (or fresh basil)
    ingredients on a table

    How to Make Sausage Pasta

    1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and lightly brown the sausage on both sides, about 4-6 minutes. PIC. 1 Remove excess oil!
    2. Reduce the heat to medium and sweat the diced onions for about 3 minutes, occasionally stirring (don't let them brown). PIC. 2 Add the garlic and let cook for about 1 minute, stirring once and a while.  PIC. 3
    3. Stir in the Italian seasoning for about 10 seconds and add the broth little by little while stirring to scrape the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce and the salt, then add the pasta. If you enjoy spicy foods or are adding a mild sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes! PICS. 4 & 5
    4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Make sure to stir gently once in a while to prevent the pasta to stick. If needed, add some extra broth or water (just enough for the pasta to cook). PIC. 6
    5. Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese if you want. Stir until creamy and homogeneous (and there are no chunks of cream cheese). Adjust the salt! PIC. 7
    6. Let the pasta sit for about 2-3 minutes in order for the cream to heat through and the sauce to thicken. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and parsley on top and serve. PIC. 8
    photo collage with recipe steps

    Types of Italian Sausage

    Italian sausage is a pork sausage, fresh or uncured in most cases, seasoned with fennel as the main ingredient plus garlic, anise, coriander, pepper, and other spices.  

    There are 3 kinds: Hot, mild, and sweet.

    All 3 types are made with the same ingredients, except the hot kind has an extra ingredient, Calabrian chile pepper or hot red pepper flakes while the sweet type has sweet basil which differentiates them from the mild sausage.  

    What is the Best Substitute for Spicy Italian Sausage?

    Chorizo (Mexican or Spanish sausage), bratwurst (German), and andouille (French and Cajun) make great subs for hot Italian sausage.

    They don't contain the same ingredients as a spicy Italian sausage and consequently, they won't taste the same but they are still suitable substitutes when it comes to heat. 

    Alternatively, you can replace hot Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the creamy pasta sauce. 

    Variations for Italian Sausage Pasta

    You can vary some ingredients to make this pasta recipe different every time as follows:

    • Pasta: Use use pasta shells, orecchiette, mini penne, or mezzi rigatoni instead of bowtie pasta. Even spaghetti or fettuccini would be a good choice because any of these pastas go well with light creamy sauce.  
    • Sausage: You can use just about any sausage you enjoy. For spicy sausages, linguiça, andouille sausage, chorizo, and bratwurst are great for this sausage pasta recipe. Or you can use any sweet or mild sausage of your choice. For lower fat versions, use chicken or turkey Italian sausage. 
    • Heavy Cream:  For a lighter pasta sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream and light creamy cheese to cut down a few calories but the sauce won't be as creamy and rich. 
    • Add-ons: You may add fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard to make this pasta recipe a complete dish. Or you may add some sun-dried tomatoes, peas, mushrooms, or chopped canned artichokes. 

    Tips for Making One Pot Sausage Pasta 

    creamy sausage pasta in a pan with a serving spoon in the middle

    This 30-minute sausage pasta recipe is quick, easy, and uses common ingredients. It's a perfect weeknight meal and tastes as if it came from a restaurant! Here are a few tips to make the best sausage pasta ever:

    • Make sure to cook your pasta al dente. This means that the pasta is tender but is still firm enough to hold its shape.
    • After stirring in the cream and cream cheese, allow the pasta to sit for about 2-3 minutes so the sauce can thicken. 
    • For a creamier sauce, add cream cheese to the recipe. Make sure the sauce it is at room temperature and the sauce is homogeneous before adding the pasta. 
    • For a cheesy sauce, add Parmesan to the sauce itself instead of only serving it on top of the pasta. 
    • For making a complete pasta dish, add veggies to the pasta. 
    • After browning the sausage, make sure to remove any excess oil so you don't wind up with a greasy cream sauce.
    • Brown the sausage until is crisp and golden around the edges.
    • Reheat the sausage pasta over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. But add some heavy cream while reheating to loosen the sauce and bring back some creaminess. 

    Storage

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

    You can reheat the dish in the microwave or in a pan, with a few tablespoons of cream to loosen the sauce.

    Freezing is not recommended because it can break the sauce apart. But you can store the cooked pasta (cooked 1-2 minutes before becoming al dente and fully cool) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.

    Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then make the rest of the recipe right before serving. 

    Other Italian Pasta Recipes 

    • Shrimp Carbonara
    • Ziti al Forno
    • Penne Pomodoro
    • Pasta Bolognese
    • Mediterranean Pasta
    • Shrimp Scampi Pasta

    PIN AND ENJOY!

    pin with close up of a plate with one pot spicy italian sausage pasta
    a close up of Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    4.72 from 14 votes

    Creamy Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta (One Pot)

    This spicy Italian sausage pasta smothered in a delicious creamy sauce is prepared in 30 minutes in one pot, making one of those easy dinner ideas ideal for busy weeknights
    Course:Dinner
    Cuisine:Italian
    Keywords:pasta recipe, sausage pasta, Spicy Italian sausage
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 13 minutes
    Total Time 28 minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories579.7 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 1.50 per person

    Equipment

    • 1 pot
    • 1 wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    For the creamy sausage pasta:

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil or mild vegetable oil
    • 1 lb hot or spicy Italian sausage sliced (or you can replace it with chorizo, bratwurst linguiça, or andouille. If you are not a fan of heat, use a mild sausage. For a lower fat dish, use turkey or chicken sausage)
    • 1 large yellow onion small diced
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
    • 2 cups chunky tomato sauce I used Ragú® Chunky Tomato Garlic & Onion Sauce
    • 1 teaspoon salt or more if desired
    • 12 oz dry bowtie pasta or you can use pasta shells, orecchiette, mini penne, or mezzi rigatoni instead. For a wholesome pasta dish, use whole wheat pasta. For a low-carb dish, use keto pasta. Make sure to adjust the cooking time!
    • ⅓ cup of heavy cream TIP: For a creamier pasta, add also 4 oz of room temperature cream cheese, cut into chunks. For a lighter sauce, use half and half and a light cream cheese.

    Toppings:

    • Parmesan cheese grated
    • 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and lightly brown the sausage on both sides, about 4-6 minutes. Remove excess oil!
    • Reduce the heat to medium and sweat the diced onions for about 3 minutes, occasionally stirring (don't let them brown). Add the garlic and let cook for about 1 minute, stirring once and a while.
    • Stir in the Italian seasoning for about 10 seconds and add the broth little by little while stirring to scrape the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce and the salt, then add the pasta. If you enjoy spicy foods or are adding a mild sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Make sure to stir gently once in a while to prevent the pasta to stick. If needed, add some extra broth or water (just enough for the pasta to cook).
    • Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese if you want. Stir until creamy and homogeneous (and there are no chunks of cream cheese). Adjust the salt!
    • Let the pasta sit for about 2-3 minutes in order for the cream to heat through and the sauce to thicken. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and parsley on top and serve.

    Recipe Notes

    Storage

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
    You can reheat the dish in the microwave or in a pan, with a few tablespoons of cream to loosen the sauce.
    Freezing is not recommended because it can break the sauce apart. But you can store the cooked pasta (cooked 1-2 minutes before becoming al dente and fully cool) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
    Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then make the rest of the recipe right before serving. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 579.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 50.4g | Protein: 21.3g | Fat: 34.4g | Saturated Fat: 12.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15.6g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1628.4mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 4.4g | Vitamin A: 668IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 73.1mg | Iron: 4.1mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

    POST FIRST PUBLISHED ON JUNE 15, 2015.

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    Filed Under: American Recipes, Easy And Delish, Easy Dinner Recipes, Easy One Pot Meals, Quick & Easy Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amira says

      June 16, 2015 at 6:52 am

      What a great one pot dish this is... appealing to everyone.

      Reply
    2. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

      June 16, 2015 at 12:20 pm

      "Saucesome" is one heck of an awesome word! 🙂
      Just when you think schools done and things will be relaxing they get super busy - so I am all about one pot meals like this one!

      Reply
    3. Little Cooking Tips says

      June 16, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good dear Denise! First of all, the make-all-in-one-pot scheme is super convenient and tidy: ) Second, mixing milk and tomato sauce makes a very interesting taste that is perfect for pasta. Third, it's very easy with simple ingredients!
      Loved your photos again. We wish you a wonderful summer with the girls:)
      Love,
      Panos and Mirella
      xoxoxo

      Reply
    4. Deb|EastofEdenCooking says

      June 16, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Adore the recipe for a one-pot dinner! We are all so busy and yet want to share dinner with our families. A wonderful post!

      Reply
    5. Chris @ The Café Sucré Farinec says

      June 16, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      What a great looking meal on the run. It looks like you spent a lot of time on it and look very yummy!

      Reply
    6. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

      June 16, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      Oh, and you don't have to cook the pasta in water. This is wonderful.

      Reply
    7. marcela says

      June 17, 2015 at 12:25 am

      5 stars
      This dish looks delicious! I'm so gonna try this recipe!

      Reply
    8. John/Kitchen Riffs says

      June 17, 2015 at 11:31 am

      We all need more one pot dishes in our lives! And who doesn't love pasta? Or sausage? This is my kind of meal -- loads of flavor, loads of easy. Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Raymund says

      June 17, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      Nice one and its really saucesome 🙂
      I think chorizos would be perfect for those as well

      Reply
    10. Anna @ shenANNAgans says

      June 18, 2015 at 12:49 am

      O.M.G.... I love this, delicious ingredients and its a one pot wonder too. #best
      Gonna make this for dinner tonight, all the yarm!
      Hmmm.... when celebrating casual moments I dont really cook, more of a 'grab a beer and drink' kinda gal. LOL!

      Reply
    11. Ash-foodfashionparty says

      June 20, 2015 at 12:32 am

      5 stars
      Congrats on winning. You deserve it.
      I love a one pot dish like this, especially during summers. I enjoy ragu too, always have some on hand. Looks perfect.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        June 20, 2015 at 9:12 am

        Thanks a lot for voting for my recipe, Ash!
        Me too. I love Ragu sauces as well because they're delicious and affordable.

        Reply
    12. Jess says

      August 09, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      This recipe is very easy, & it tastes great! One thing I would suggest is using a bit less milk. It was runny for my taste. But overall, this is a hit!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        August 10, 2017 at 6:02 pm

        Hi, Jess! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe. I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks also for the suggestion.
        It is good to know you had a different result. In mine, it was not runny at all. Actually it was pretty creamy and thick. I think the size of the burner and temperature of each stove top makes the difference. Wishing you a great evening!

        Reply
    13. Dori says

      April 19, 2018 at 6:37 pm

      This looks SO GOOD! Just wondering if it would work well with 2% milk. There must be a reason that you specified whole milk.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 20, 2018 at 8:17 am

        Hi Dori! You are right! The reason why I specify whole milk is because this is one of those recipes that fat influences the creaminess of the dish. You can make with a 2% milk -- just be aware that the dish neither will taste the same nor the sauce will be creamy as when made with whole milk. Wishing you a delicious day!

        Reply
    14. Isaac Conchos says

      August 01, 2018 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      Wasn’t sure what to make with theses Portuguese sausages so i made this recipe and was absolutely amazing and used a tad bit of red wine vinegar awesome

      Reply
    15. Dalton says

      October 09, 2019 at 2:16 am

      5 stars
      I am a single Dad of 2, struggling to put meals on the table. This recipe was quick, easy and so delicious. It became one of my kids' favorite dinners. Thanks!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

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      October 1, 2020 at 5:22 pm

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      February 13, 2021 at 9:17 am

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