Sausage Pasta Skillet: A One-Pan Weeknight Hero

If you crave the kind of dinner that feels comforting, hearty, and satisfying without leaving behind a mountain of dishes, this Sausage Pasta Skillet is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll lean on again and again. It’s creamy, rich, savory, full of flavor, and cooks entirely in one skillet — pasta and all. The end result is a bubbling, saucy, irresistible bowl of comfort that tastes like something from your favorite Italian-inspired bistro, but made in under 30 minutes.

This dish completely eliminates the stress of cooking pasta separately. Instead, everything simmers together: the pasta absorbs all the sausage drippings, tomato goodness, spices, and broth directly — giving every bite incredible flavor. The sausage adds meaty depth, while the silky tomato-cream sauce ties everything together in one lush, delicious swirl.

Perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, potlucks, or when you just want something warm and comforting — this skillet dinner does the job.

Why This Recipe Always Wins

✔ One-skillet convenience

Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

✔ Ready in 30 minutes

Dinner hits the table fast.

✔ Ultra-creamy

Tomato meets cream for a velvety, restaurant-style sauce.

✔ Family-friendly

Pasta + sausage = the universal weeknight win.

✔ Customizable

Use mild or spicy sausage, any pasta shape, or add veggies.

✔ Budget-friendly

A filling skillet that feeds the whole family affordably.

What You’ll Need

A handful of simple ingredients transform into a beautifully rich skillet pasta.

– Ingredients –

Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta & Sauce

• 3 cups uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, shells)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Olive oil as needed

How to Make Sausage Pasta Skillet

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil.
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.

2. Add Aromatics

Stir in diced onion and sauté until softened.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Build the Flavor

Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Add Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and uncooked pasta.
Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer Until Tender

Cover and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.

6. Make It Creamy

Turn heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan.
Simmer 1 minute to thicken into a velvety sauce.

7. Finish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Sausage Pasta Skillet

A creamy, flavorful one-skillet sausage pasta made with Italian sausage, tender pasta, tomato, cream, and parmesan. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Pasta & Sauce

• 3 cups uncooked short pasta penne, rotini, shells
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan grated
• fresh basil chopped, for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Heat a skillet with olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, then add garlic.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth; stir well.
5. Cover and simmer 12–14 minutes until pasta is tender.
6. Reduce heat and stir in cream and parmesan until creamy.
7. Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Adjust broth depending on pasta shape.

Tips for the Best Sausage Skillet Pasta

Use short pasta

Shapes like penne or rotini absorb sauce beautifully.

Stir occasionally

Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Add broth as needed

Different pastas absorb liquid differently — add an extra splash if needed.

Use quality parmesan

Freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce more smoothly.

Finish with herbs

Fresh basil or parsley brightens the whole dish.

Variations You’ll Love

Spicy Tuscan Version

Use spicy sausage + red pepper flakes + sun-dried tomatoes.

Veggie Boost

Add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Chicken Swap

Use chicken sausage for a lighter flavor.

Cream-Free

Swap cream for extra broth + 1 tbsp butter.

Cheesy Supreme

Stir in mozzarella at the end for an extra-gooey skillet.

What to Serve With Sausage Pasta Skillet

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Caprese salad
• Simple side greens

It’s so hearty it barely needs a side.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Up to 2 months (cream may separate slightly — stir when reheating).

Reheat:

Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.