One Pot Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta
A quick one pot pasta made with Italian sausage, tomatoes, basil pesto, mozzarella, Parmesan, and short pasta cooked together in a flavorful sauce.
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Ingredients
Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta
3/4 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained slightly
5 cups uncooked short pasta
2 teaspoons basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Italian sausage in a large pot until browned.
- Add garlic and salt and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, milk, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and basil pesto.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender.
- Add additional liquid gradually if needed.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- The pasta cooks directly in the sauce for a simple one-pot meal.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Add extra liquid gradually if needed to reach the desired texture.
- Nutritional Information Disclaimer:
- Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used.
This One Pot Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner made with Italian sausage, tomatoes, basil pesto, pasta, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory flavors while creating a rich and satisfying sauce.
With a short cooking time and minimal cleanup, this pasta dish is a practical choice for busy weeknights. The combination of sausage, creamy tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese creates a flavorful meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 562 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one pot sausage pasta combines convenience with classic Italian-inspired flavors.
Everything cooks in one pot, reducing cleanup.
Italian sausage adds savory flavor throughout the dish.
The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, allowing it to absorb more flavor.
Basil pesto adds a fresh herb taste that complements the tomatoes.
Mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy cheesy finish.
The recipe is ready in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the One Pot Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta
3/4 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained slightly
5 cups uncooked short pasta
2 teaspoons basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Easy Substitutions
Italian Sausage
Italian sausage provides the main savory flavor. Other sausage varieties can be used, but the final flavor will be different.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds flavor to the pasta sauce. Another suitable broth can be used if preferred.
Milk
Milk creates a creamy sauce texture. Different milk options may slightly change the richness.
Pasta
Short pasta shapes work well because they hold the sauce. Other pasta shapes can be used, but cooking time may vary.
Cheese
Mozzarella and Parmesan create the classic cheesy finish. Other melting cheeses can be added depending on preference.
How to Make One Pot Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add Italian sausage and cook while breaking it apart until browned.
Browning the sausage helps build a flavorful base for the pasta.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic and salt.
Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Pasta Ingredients
Add chicken broth, milk, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and basil pesto.
Stir everything together until combined.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
If the pasta needs more cooking and the liquid has been absorbed, add additional liquid 1/4 cup at a time until the desired texture is reached.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and combines with the sauce.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best One Pot Sausage Pasta
Brown the sausage well before adding other ingredients to develop deeper flavor.
Stir frequently while the pasta cooks because it absorbs liquid directly in the pot.
Add extra liquid gradually if needed rather than adding too much at once.
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Allow the pasta to sit briefly before serving so the sauce can thicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Stirring the Pasta
Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, stirring helps prevent sticking.
Adding Too Much Liquid
Add extra liquid only when needed to avoid making the sauce too thin.
Overcooking the Pasta
Check the pasta texture during cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Adding Cheese Too Early
Add cheese after the pasta is cooked so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Variations
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Chicken Sausage Pasta
Replace Italian sausage with chicken sausage for a different protein option.
Vegetable Pasta
Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Creamier Pasta
Increase the cheese or add additional creamy ingredients for a richer texture.
What to Serve With Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta
This pasta works well as a complete meal but can also be served with:
Garlic bread
Green salad
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Fresh herbs
A simple side salad can balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
How to Store One Pot Sausage Tomato and Pesto Pasta
Storage instructions were not provided with the original recipe information.
For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container and follow standard food storage practices.
How to Reheat One Pot Sausage Pasta
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Because the pasta continues absorbing sauce after cooking, adding a small amount of milk or broth can help restore the creamy texture.
How to Freeze One Pot Sausage Pasta
Freezing instructions were not provided.
If freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.
Make Ahead
The recipe does not include specific make-ahead instructions.
The dish is designed for quick preparation and is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes. Other sausage varieties can be used, although the flavor profile will change.
Does the pasta cook directly in the sauce?
Yes. The pasta cooks in the same pot with the broth, milk, tomatoes, and seasonings.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes. Vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or peppers can be added.
Why is this called a one pot pasta?
All ingredients cook together in one pot, reducing preparation and cleanup.
Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes. Use mild sausage and adjust seasonings according to preference.
