One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta

One pot spicy sausage pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor. The dish typically consists of penne pasta cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce with crumbled hot Italian sausage, shallots, and garlic. The sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish, while the tomatoes provide a touch of sweetness.

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Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option that will satisfy your cravings for something spicy? Look no further than this one pot spicy sausage pasta recipe! 

Packed with savory Italian sausage, shallots, garlic, and a zesty tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Plus, the fact that it can be made in just one pot means that cleanup is a breeze. 

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for your next dinner party, this one pot spicy sausage pasta recipe is sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to cook up a delicious and spicy pasta dish in no time!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What You’ll Need To Make Spicy Sausage Pasta
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Spicy Sausage Pasta
• Serving Suggestions And Substitutions 
• How To Store Leftovers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
• 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea that's full of flavor, this one pot spicy sausage pasta recipe is the perfect choice. Not only does it require minimal prep work and cook time, but it's also incredibly satisfying and delicious. Here are four reasons why you'll love this recipe:

1. It's a one-pot wonder, meaning less clean-up time and fewer dishes to wash.
2. The spicy sausage adds a bold and savory flavor to the dish, while the creamy sauce helps to absorb and balance the heat.
3. This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Add extra veggies or swap out the type of pasta for a fun twist.
4. It's a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Simply double or triple the recipe and you'll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

What You’ll Need To Make Spicy Sausage Pasta

Rigatoni: A large tube-shaped pasta that's perfect for holding onto sauce and flavors. You can substitute with any similar pasta shape like penne or ziti.

Hot Italian sausage: A spicy, flavorful sausage that adds a lot of depth to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with sweet Italian sausage or chicken sausage. I prefer to use ground sausage for this recipe, but you can use sliced sausage links if you prefer.

Shallot: A milder, sweeter version of onion that adds a subtle flavor to the dish. If you don't have shallots, you can use finely chopped onion instead.

Garlic: A pungent, aromatic ingredient that adds a lot of flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount of garlic based on your personal preference.

Canned tomatoes: Crushed or diced tomatoes are used to create the tomato-based sauce for the pasta. You can use fresh tomatoes if they're in season, but canned tomatoes are a great pantry staple.

Heavy cream: Used to create a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the pasta. You can substitute with half and half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter version.

Dried basil: Adds a subtle, herbal flavor to the dish. You can use fresh basil if you have it on hand, but dried basil works just as well.

Butter: Used to sauté the shallots and garlic and adds richness to the dish. You can substitute with olive oil if you prefer.

Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty cheese that adds a lot of flavor to the dish. You can substitute with pecorino romano or asiago cheese.

Salt and black pepper: Used to season the dish to taste.

Red pepper flakes: Also known as crushed red pepper, are a spice made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. Red pepper flakes add an extra kick of heat to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the sausage and balancing out the creaminess of the sauce. The amount of red pepper flakes used can be adjusted based on your personal preference for spiciness.

Overall, these ingredients come together to create a spicy, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Step-By-Step Instructions

This step-by-step guide will show you how to make a delicious and flavorful one pot spicy sausage pasta. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that still packs a punch of flavor. Using just one pot to cook everything in, this recipe is not only delicious, but also very easy to clean up after. So let's get started!

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Add the shallot and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the sausage  and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into smaller pieces. Drain off the rendered fat if needed.

Step 4: Pour in the canned tomatoes, dried basil, heavy cream, salt, and pepper, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the salt, pepper, and butter and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the cooked pasta back in with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.

Step 7: Add the grated parmesan and stir through.

Step 8: Serve hot, topped with additional parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious one pot spicy sausage pasta!

Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Spicy Sausage Pasta

Looking to make the best one pot spicy sausage pasta? These tips and tricks will help you achieve a delicious and flavorful dish every time.

From selecting the right sausage to perfecting the creamy sauce, these tips will ensure that your spicy sausage pasta is a crowd-pleaser. So let's dive in and discover how to make the best spicy sausage pasta!

• Use hot Italian sausage for maximum flavor, but adjust the amount of red pepper flakes used based on your personal preference for spiciness.
• Make sure to break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the dish.
• Simmer the pasta in enough water to cover it by about an inch, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Don't rinse the pasta after cooking, as the starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and adds flavor.
• Use heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce, but don't overcook it as this can cause it to separate or curdle.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking and stir until melted to add a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
• Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions And Substitutions 

One pot spicy sausage pasta is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy sauce, spicy sausage, and al dente rigatoni make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

This versatile dish can be served on its own, or paired with a variety of sides and toppings for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to try:

• Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Zinfandel.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand for spicy sausage pasta, there are plenty of substitutions you can make to still achieve a delicious and flavorful dish.

Here are some ingredient substitutions to consider for this recipe:

• Rigatoni pasta: Can be substituted with penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta shape.
• Hot Italian sausage: Can be substituted with sweet Italian sausage, ground beef, or ground turkey.
• Shallot: You can use onion or leeks instead of shallots.
• Canned tomatoes: Can be substituted with fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce.
• Heavy cream: Can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won't be as creamy.
• Dried basil: Can be substituted with dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
• Butter: Can be substituted with olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Parmesan cheese: Can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.

• Red pepper flakes: Can be adjusted to taste, omitted, or substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder.

If you're looking for some more great one pot meal ideas, some of my favorites include Pink Sauce Pasta With Boursin, One Pot Pasta With Ricotta And Lemon, and One Pot Shrimp Fried Rice.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftover spicy sausage pasta, allow it to cool then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to prevent it from drying out. 

Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while reheating to ensure it heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tools And Equipment For This Recipe

Le Creuset Signature Deep Dutch Oven: This is my absolute favorite dutch oven and I use it all the time. Its large capacity makes it perfect for one-pot dishes like creamy tomato lentil pasta or ricotta and lemon pasta. It’s pricey but it is super versatile and will last you a lifetime.

Powder-Coated Colander Set: This is a great set of colanders that come in three different sizes. I use them for everything from washing vegetables to draining pasta.

Sweese Pasta Bowls: These are my go-to pasta bowls. They are a great size for single servings, and they have a wide, shallow shape that’s perfect for catching any extra sauce. Plus, they’re dishwasher and microwave safe too.

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