Last Updated on 10 October 2024 by cooksimply
Don’t you just love those dinners where, even though it looks like you’ve slaved over a hot kitchen stove for hours because the results are amazing, there’s no mess, and no washing up afterward? That’s the beauty of one-pot meals – no fuss, and hardly any clearing up to contend with. So if you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option then this easy one-pan creamy sausage pasta will really hit the mark – and for the whole family. Even fussy eaters, like my little one – he’s given this recipe his seal of approval.
Not only is this tasty one-pot pasta recipe dish incredibly easy to make, but it’s also really delicious – using common ingredients that you’ll easily find in your cupboards and fridge. With just a few simple ingredients and a single deep pan [or large skillet], you can whip up a satisfying pan recipe in around 30 minutes. The combination of sausages, al dente pasta, and a rich and creamy pasta sauce means that a second helping is always on the cards. Whether you’re cooking a simple meal for busy weeknights, or entertaining friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, grab your pan and get ready to indulge in a creamy and comforting pasta dish.
Benefits of cooking one-pan meals
One-pot meals have been gaining popularity in recent years and for good reason. They offer a really fuss-free option for busy people. One of the main advantages of cooking a one-pan meal is the simplicity it offers. With just a single pan or large pot, you can cook and serve an entire meal, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Additionally, one-pot meals are known for their versatility. You can easily customise the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or use up any leftover ingredients you have to hand. This makes them a great option for reducing food waste. Lastly, one-pan meals are perfect for those who are short on kitchen space or don’t have access to a full range of cooking equipment. With just a pan and a hob [stove], you can create a perfect weeknight meal.
What do I need for this creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe?
Here are the ingredients for this creamy sausage pasta:
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Pasta shells or your favourite pasta shape
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olive oil
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Pork sausages, Italian sausage, with skins removed, or sausage meat
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garlic
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dried oregano
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Pancetta cubes
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chicken stock [broth]
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Double cream or heavy cream
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley
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Parmesan cheese
How to make easy creamy one-pan sausage pasta
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. Then add the pancetta. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another minute or two. Then pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Then add the uncooked pasta. Make sure all of it is submerged into the chicken stock and simmer according to the packet instructions.
Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream [double cream]. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan before serving.
Tips for perfecting your one-pan pasta dish
- Use good quality sausages for the best flavour. Look for sausages that are made with high-quality meat and have a good balance of herbs and spices.
– Don’t overcook the pasta. Make sure to cook it until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
– Feel free to add additional vegetables to the dish. Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach would all be great additions.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
– If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with another type of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Variations for creamy sausage pasta
– For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the cream with milk. The sauce will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
– If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the sausage and use a meat-free substitute. Just make sure to season it well to mimic the flavours of the sausage.
– For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. There are many delicious gluten-free pasta options available that work well in this recipe.
My creamy sausage pasta is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the flavours by serving it with some additional garnishes or side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
– Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added cheesiness.
– Serve with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
– Pair with a fresh green salad to add some freshness and crunch to the meal.
– Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.
What kind of pasta to use
For this creamy sausage pasta recipe, I’ve used pasta shells, but this simple meal will work with any Italian pasta shape you have – spaghetti, bow tie pasta, penne pasta, fusilli, linguine. All of them will work. Just remember – thicker larger pasta shapes may need slightly longer to cook, while spaghetti won’t take as long. Feel free to experiment with other shapes.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian sausage, mild Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage.
What to do with leftover sausage pasta?
Creamy pasta dishes don’t freeze well, as the sauce tends to separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy the leftovers within a few days of making the dish. So put any creamy pasta dish leftovers into an airtight container or Tupperware box and then keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to prevent it from drying out.
Other one-pot recipes you’ll enjoy
Spanish chicken with chorizo
Chinese beef and broccoli
Garlic prawns
Braised Chinese aubergine
Chicken Biryani
Chinese chicken chow mein
Tasty one-pan creamy sausage pasta
Ingredients
- 350 g of pasta of your choice I use pasta shells
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 good quality sausages of your choice skins taken off
- 130 g cubed pancetta or a small pack
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tsps dried oregano
- 600 ml of chicken stock
- 150 ml pouring cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated parmesan optional
Instructions
- Get a large frying pan, or deep-sided pot, and over a medium heat, heat the olive oil,
- Add your Italian/pork sausages with their outer skins removed, and using a spoon, break up the meat.
- Add the pancetta and continue to cook, so the meat starts to brown.
- Then add the garlic and dried oregano, and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, to let the flavours infuse.
- Then carefully pour in the chicken stock, making sure to use the spoon to lift off any bits at the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a simmer, and then add the uncooked pasta. Give all the ingredients a good stir, and make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Simmer for around 10 minutes [or according to packet instructions, depending on what type of pasta you've used], making sure to stir several times while cooking.*
- Once the pasta is al dente, and nearly cooked through, reduce the heat and then add the cream, stirring through and making sure the pasta is coated and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few minutes more.
- Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley and gated parmesan if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this creamy one-pan sausage pasta recipe?
Please let me know if you made this pasta recipe. Leave a comment below and tag @cooksimplyathome on Instagram. You can find other simple meal ideas here.
How much pancetta? It’s not listed in the ingredients.
130g small pack of cubed pancetta – thanks for letting me know!