Creamy One-Pan Sausage and Pasta Skillet
This creamy one-pan sausage and pasta skillet is a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights. Italian sausage, pasta, tomatoes, and spinach come together in a flavorful sauce, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage mild or spicy, casings removed if using links
- 8 ounces small, quick-cooking pasta rotini, penne, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni
- 1 small onion diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounce, undrained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 2-3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, break it up, and cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and broth, bring to a simmer, then add uncooked pasta and stir to submerge.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted, then add spinach (if using) and cook until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, choose a spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer a milder taste, use mild Italian sausage. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid to cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.