Sausage Pasta Skillet – A One-Pan Dinner Your Whole Family Will Love
If you’re searching for a fast, comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one skillet, this Sausage Pasta Skillet is going to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation. It’s creamy, savory, hearty, and unbelievably easy to make — the kind of recipe you pull out on a busy night when you want something homemade without spending all evening in the kitchen.
This dish brings together juicy browned sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, aromatic garlic and onions, vibrant tomatoes, rich cream, and melted Parmesan to create a silky, luscious sauce. Even better? Everything cooks in the same pan. No draining pasta, no juggling multiple pots, and definitely no complicated steps. If you love meals that are quick, satisfying, and family-approved, this is your new favorite one-skillet pasta.
In this full guide, we’ll walk through ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips for getting the best texture, variations, serving suggestions, and storage methods. Whether you’re a beginner home cook or an experienced foodie, this recipe guarantees delicious results.
Why This Sausage Pasta Skillet Works So Well
Most weeknight meals fall into three categories: fast, tasty, or easy cleanup. This one-pan pasta miraculously checks all three. Here’s why it works so beautifully:
1. The sausage flavors the whole dish
As the sausage browns, it releases flavorful fats that season the onions, garlic, and sauce naturally. This builds a rich foundation without needing extra steps.
2. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce
Cooking the pasta in broth and tomatoes instead of water infuses it with deep flavor. The starch from the pasta also naturally thickens the sauce.
3. Cream and Parmesan create a silky consistency
This combination results in a restaurant-quality creamy sauce that coats every noodle.
4. It’s endlessly customizable
Swap the sausage, change the pasta, add veggies — this recipe adapts to whatever you have in your pantry.
5. One skillet = minimal cleanup
Perfect for busy families, students, or anyone who loves comfort food without a pile of dishes.
Ingredients for Sausage Pasta Skillet
You’ll need simple, everyday ingredients — nothing fancy, nothing complicated.
Pasta Skillet Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini, shells)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. - Add Aromatics:
Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Add Pasta and Liquids:
Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stir in dry pasta. - Simmer Until Pasta Is Cooked:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. - Add Cream and Parmesan:
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix until sauce thickens and coats pasta. - Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and brown, breaking it apart.
- Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for Perfect One-Skillet Pasta
Don’t skimp on the simmer
Letting the pasta cook in broth ensures it absorbs more flavor than boiling water ever could.
Stir occasionally
Since the pasta cooks in sauce, stirring prevents sticking.
Adjust sauce thickness
If the sauce reduces too much, add ¼ cup broth.
If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered a few minutes.
Use freshly grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded versions contain anti-caking agents and won’t melt smoothly.
Variations
1. Spicy Sausage Pasta Skillet
Use hot Italian sausage + red pepper flakes.
2. Tomato Basil Version
Add a handful of fresh basil at the end.
3. Veggie Mix-In
Stir in spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms.
4. Cheesy Version
Add mozzarella before serving for stretchy goodness.
5. Cajun Sausage Pasta
Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning and add smoked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette.
- Add a simple green salad on the side.
- Top with extra Parmesan for rich flavor.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes if you love heat.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage + Reheating
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: 2–3 months (freeze before adding cream if possible)
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
This Sausage Pasta Skillet is comforting but not heavy, creamy but not overly rich, fast but still packed with flavor. It’s a dream recipe for busy cooks, parents, students, and anyone who appreciates a satisfying bowl of pasta at the end of a long day. With minimal prep, just one pan, and ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, it’s the type of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
