One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta – 30 Mins & So Easy

Sometimes, those are the best kinds of meals – the ones where all the flavor comes together in a single pot, minimizing washing up and maximizing that “ahhh” feeling when a delicious dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. One-pot pasta dishes are my go-to when I’m short on time but still crave something satisfying. My chorizo, chili flake, and herb -loaded take on this classic is so easy, it basically cooks itself!

One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta

This recipe is all about that versatile base you can whip up with whatever’s on hand. A staple in my pantry? Chorizo sausage. The spices are already there, giving the sauce incredible depth, while you do almost nothing. Need it dairy-free? No problem; the pasta itself makes the sauce thick and creamy as it cooks.

Beyond Basic: Delicious Details

The beauty is, additional flavor components work like a charm! A dollop of tomato paste adds richness, a handful of fresh parmasen offers cheesy sharpness, and don’t underestimate those herbs. Basil, oregano…they elevate the tomato-based sauce instantly. Plus, this method uses a special trick for maximum impact: the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so it inherits all that stock and sausage goodness.

Perfecting Your Pot & Pasta

The key here is a medium-sized, heavy-based pot with a lid. Think cast iron or a trusty Ikea workhorse – anything that spreads heat evenly is your friend. As for the pasta itself, small, quickly cooking shapes are best. I love casarecce for its little twists, or penne, where the sauce hides in the nooks.

Nutritional Information

One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta

Recipe by Whisk and NibbleCourse: PastaCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Ridiculously easy one-pot pasta loaded with savory sausage, a hint of spice, and a creamy tomato sauce – perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium red onion, chopped

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 pound chorizo sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp concentrated tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust for heat preference)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups chicken broth (or substitute vegetable broth)

• 1 ½ cups tomato purée (passata)

• 11 ounces dried pasta (casarecce or your favorite)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

• Get Sizzling: Heat a splash of olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. Add your chopped sausages, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the sausages are beautifully browned, and the onions have softened.
• Flavor Boost: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. You’ll notice it getting fragrant and slightly darker – that’s when the flavors really develop!
• Spice It Up: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add your spices (remember those chili flakes!), salt, pepper, chicken stock, and tomato purée. Give it a good stir.
• Pasta Time! Now add the dried pasta directly to the pot. Put the lid on and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking. Keep in mind, cooking time varies depending on the pasta type.
• The Finishing Touch: Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can finish cooking with the lid off for a bit to reduce it. Finally, stir through some freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes or add cayenne pepper to tailor the heat to your preference.
• Sausage Substitutions: Use your favorite flavorful sausage – chorizo, kielbasa, or even a spicy Italian sausage all work well.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
• Optional Creamy Twist: For an extra-rich experience, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese just before serving.

How to Store Leftovers for the Next Day

This spicy sausage pasta is even better the next day, so leftovers are definitely worth saving! Here’s how:

• Cool it down: Let the leftovers cool slightly before transferring them to the fridge.
• Seal it tight: Use an airtight container to prevent drying out and preserve flavors.
• Fridge time: This dish will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating tip: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for the best texture and taste!

Variations

• Creamy Deluxe: For an even richer experience, stir in a generous dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese right before serving.
• Spice It Your Way: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot sausage and playing with the amount of one pot spicy sausage pasta flakes.
• Pasta Playground: Experiment with different pasta shapes – fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells all work beautifully.

Safety Measures

• Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
• Use a heavy-based pot that distributes heat evenly to avoid scorching.
• Be careful when adding liquid to hot oil, as it may splatter.

Conclusion

This one-pot spicy sausage pasta is a true weeknight superhero – a delicious and comforting meal ready in a flash. With minimum cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s definitely a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the Chicken Broth in This Recipe?

Yes!  While chicken broth provides a great base, you can undoubtedly use alternatives. Chicken stock or vegetable broth will work well if you have them on hand.

What is the Best Substitute for Andouille Smoked Sausage?

Yes!  While chicken broth provides a great base, you can absolutely use alternatives. Chicken stock or vegetable broth will work well if you have them on hand.

How Can I Store One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta?

This dish is best served hot and fresh. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I use different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While I love campanelle pasta, most small-shaped pasta works well – think penne, fusili, rigatoni, or even farfalle.

How can I make the pasta spicier?

To amp up the heat, add more red pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

What can I add to the pasta?

This recipe is super versatile! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini alongside the onions.  Briny olives can give the sauce a fun Mediterranean twist.  For a cheesy finish, sprinkle hot pasta with shredded mozzarella, cover with a lid to melt, and add a layer of baby spinach right before serving for a touch of freshness.

Why did my pasta not cook properly?

A few reasons could be at play. It’s important to maintain the right ratio of liquid to pasta and keep a gentle simmer with the lid on for proper cooking. If the heat is too high, the liquid can evaporate before the pasta cooks through.  Too much liquid and an extended cooking time can result in mushy pasta.

How long to reheat sausage pasta?

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a couple of minutes or in a preheated oven (about 350 °F / 175 °C) for 10 minutes or until piping hot before serving.

What wine goes with spicy sausage pasta?

The perfect wine softens the spice of the sausage. Think rosé for a gentle pairing, or a soft red wine that eases the heat. Look for something fruity, avoiding anything with strong tannins, so the bitter burst doesn’t overwhelm. A light-bodied, pink, or chilled red wine is ideal, as the flavors keep your palate refreshed and ready for another delicious bite.

What goes good with hot sausage?

• Mac and Cheese
• Coleslaw
• Spaghetti
• Potatoes (roasted, mashed, any way you like them!)
• Applesauce
• Baked Beans
• Sautéed Onions & Peppers

What is traditional Italian sausage made from?

Traditional Italian sausage is made from ground pork flavored with garlic and fennel seed. It comes in two main styles: sweet (no pepper) and hot (with spicy red pepper).