One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
Are you ready to dive into a comforting, flavorful dish that’s not only easy to make but also requires minimal cleanup? This One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. Packed with savory sausage, fresh basil, and a creamy sauce, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Plus, the best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, making it a breeze to whip up and even easier to clean up!
Why One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is Worth Your Time
Imagine coming home after a long day, with hunger gnawing at your stomach, and all you want is something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is your culinary savior. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also brings the rich, comforting flavors of Italy right to your dining table. The combination of Italian sausage and fresh tomatoes creates a delightful symphony of taste, while the creamy sour cream adds a luxurious touch. With this recipe, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with family and friends.
Gather These Ingredients
To make this delicious pasta dish, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (I used hot, but sweet Italian sausage may be substituted)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil, as desired
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon oregano, optional
- One 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, I used Hunts no-salt added, tomato basil oregano flavor
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups penne pasta, another small-shaped pasta may be substituted
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chiffonaded
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste if desired
Equipment at a Glance
You will need the following equipment to get started:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking pasta and sausage together.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Chef’s knife: To finely chop garlic and chiffonade basil.
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta Made Stepwise
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you love a kick, feel free to use hot Italian sausage for extra heat!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. If you like, sprinkle in the optional oregano for an added layer of flavor. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Water
Pour in the can of petite diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and add 2 cups of water. Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the Pasta
Add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. The warmth of the pasta will melt the cheese and create a luscious sauce.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil
Gently fold in the chiffonaded fresh basil, reserving a small amount for garnish. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. This adds a wonderful aromatic quality to your dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta into bowls, garnishing with the reserved basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some easy swaps to customize this recipe:
- Italian sausage: Use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Sour cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for a healthier or lactose-free choice.
- Pasta: Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
While this One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is straightforward, here are a few tips to avoid common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the timing when simmering the pasta; it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to mushy.
- Sauce Too Thick: If you find the sauce too thick after cooking, simply add a splash more water or broth to loosen it up.
- Too Spicy: If you accidentally made it too spicy, balance it out by adding a bit more sour cream or cheese.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended for this recipe, feel free to substitute with any small-shaped pasta you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider using hot Italian sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes along with the garlic for an extra kick!
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sausage and garlic mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this pasta dish?
This One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a satisfying dinner experience.
Bring It to the Table
Now that you have all the steps and tips for making this One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta, it’s time to invite family and friends to the table. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also brings warmth and comfort that everyone will love. Serve it up piping hot, and watch as smiles emerge with each delicious bite. Cooking can be a joyful experience, and with this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Enjoy every moment spent sharing this delightful meal.
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. If you like, sprinkle in the optional oregano for an added layer of flavor. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the can of petite diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and add 2 cups of water. Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Gently fold in the chiffonaded fresh basil, reserving a small amount for garnish. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Spoon the pasta into bowls, garnishing with the reserved basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to use turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a lighter option.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier choice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
