This one-pot Sausage Penne Pasta delivers big flavor in a creamy tomato sauce with savory sausage. Pure comfort, ready in 30 minutes!
For a penne pasta recipe with chicken, try Sun-Dried Tomato-Chicken Pasta, coated in a satisfying Parmesan Cream Sauce.
Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe
Busy weeknights call for quick pasta dishes, and this one? A total winner at my house!
Italian sausage (mild or spicy—your pick) simmers in a creamy tomato sauce with tender pasta, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Talk about pasta perfection!
Best part? Just one pot to clean and minimal prep. Big wins all around!
Quick Tip
Into straightforward one-pot dishes? Give One-Pot Spaghetti, no-fuss Hamburger Helper, or One-Pot Chicken Orzo a whirl. They’ve got rave reviews for a reason!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | What It Does / Tip or Swap |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Builds flavor at the start |
| Onion & Garlic | Use pre-chopped or jarred to save time |
| Italian sausage | Mild or spicy both work. You can swap with chicken or turkey |
| Italian seasoning | Brings that classic herb-forward Italian flavor |
| Tomato paste & Crushed tomatoes | Create a rich, bold tomato base. Fire-roasted tomatoes add more flavor |
| Chicken stock/broth | Adds depth and more flavor than water |
| Penne pasta | Cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all the flavor |
| Heavy whipping cream | Skip low-fat for best results |
How To Make Sausage Penne Pasta (Tips)
- Prep ahead: Measure and set out ingredients for straightforward cooking.
- Use a big pot: Prevents pasta from sticking and helps it cook evenly.
- Stir often: Stops pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Cook pasta firm: It softens in the hot sauce, so slightly undercook it.
- Keep heat low: After adding cream, a low burner keeps the sauce smooth.
Which Sauce Is Best For Penne?
Penne pasta recipes with tomato sauce are my top pick, but the tube-like structure with ridges makes it versatile for all sorts of sauces.
Here are our best penne pasta recipes with sauces that pair nicely:
- Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Vegetable Pasta (a great meatless penne pasta recipe!)
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Storage
This Italian Sausage Penne Pasta recipe, like many pasta dishes, tastes best right off the stove! For a head start, you can sauté the onion, garlic, and brown the Italian sausage. Just pop it in the fridge and pull it out when you’re set to whip up this dish!
What To Serve With Penne Pasta:
Green Salads
Garden Salad
Appetizers
Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Side Dishes
Roasted Vegetables
Salads
Caprese Salad Dressing
