Easiest Spicy Sausage Pasta Recipe (One Pot!)

I can always be talked into making pasta recipes with sausage... try me, it's not even difficult. They are some of my preferred weeknight dinner recipes for good reason.

This is a new favorite, but we have perfected several other one pot pasta dishes over the years, including this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta or this Chicken Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo.

Ingredients for this sausage and pasta dinner

You may already have these ingredients on hand, but the recipe card below includes full quantities if not. I like to buy my sausage when it goes on sale and store it in the freezer so that I have it on hand when the need arises.

• Spicy Italian sausage: You can choose hot or mild depending on your preference. I prefer to get the ground sausage without casings because it's faster to just pop into the pan. I don't suggest substituting with turkey sausage because it won't be nearly as flavorful.
• Onion: Yellow onions are my go-to choice, but sweet or white onions will also work well.
• Garlic: I buy mine pre-minced, but you can mince your own whole cloves if you prefer.
• Spices: You will need kosher salt, ground black pepper, the tiniest bit of sugar (it really complements the tang of the tomatoes), and red pepper flakes.
• Rigatoni pasta: You could also substitute with penne, ziti, or another tubular, short pasta of a similar size.
• Crushed tomatoes: Our favorite brand is Cento when we can get it, but any brand will work fine.
• Petite diced tomatoes: If you want a slightly creamier sauce, you can zoom these canned tomatoes. It is an extra step, but I love the texture this way!
• Chicken broth: Use homemade, a carton, or bouillon mixed with hot water.
• Half-n-half: This is going to add the creamy element. Heavy cream doesn't make the best substitute because it is much thicker, and milk does not have enough fat content to add that creamy touch.
• Basil: You can chop the fresh basil, tear it by hand, or even use kitchen shears to cut it, which helps it avoid those pesky brown edges. I don't recommend substituting with dried basil because it's such a significant amount and will very noticeably impact the flavor.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the final touch, and absolutely recommended!

How to make spicy sausage pasta

Before you start, I recommend gathering your ingredients and measuring utensils because the recipe goes pretty quickly.

Additionally, if you want a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to zoom the can of petite diced tomatoes, then set it aside until you're ready to use it.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

You can reheat single servings in the microwave in 30-60 second increments, stirring between to help it heat evenly. For larger amounts, reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. To restore some of the freshness, I always add a tiny splash of half-n-half and more fresh parm on top!

Prep ahead instructions

If you want to prep this recipe ahead for an even faster dinner, you can cook the recipe through step 2, browning the meat, then adding the garlic and seasonings. Pause after that step, let the mixture cool, then refrigerate for 2-3 days. When you're ready to cook, add the mixture back to your large pot over medium-high heat with a little drizzle of olive oil. Stir it often just until it is hot, then continue with step 3.

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