The Best One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe for Busy Nights

One pot Italian sausage pasta bake combines hearty flavors and comforting textures that craft simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Robust Italian sausage brings intense depth and rich spices to this classic comfort dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.

Creamy cheese melts beautifully throughout the pasta, creating a luxurious sauce that hugs every single noodle.

Home cooks appreciate meals that require minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

The combination of tender pasta, savory meat, and melted cheese creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that feels simultaneously rustic and refined.

Bold seasonings elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for families and gatherings.

Why One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Is So Handy

• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies cooking by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal: Combining Italian sausage, herbs, and melted cheeses creates a rich, hearty dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Quick and Satisfying Preparation: From start to finish, this pasta bake takes just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

• Italian Sausage: Hearty, flavorful meat base that adds richness and depth to the pasta dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall savory flavor of the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and creates a stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds a nutty and complex flavor profile.

• Onion: Sweet, aromatic base that adds depth and softness to the dish.
• Garlic: Pungent, aromatic ingredient that provides intense flavor and warmth.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Tangy, rich sauce base that creates a classic Italian flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that intensifies the sauce's depth and color.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings traditional Mediterranean herbs and complexity.

• Shell Pasta: Curved pasta shape that catches and holds sauce exceptionally well.

One Pot Instructions for Italian Sausage Bake

Step 1: Brown Sausage and Onions

In a large skillet, cook sausage with chopped onions over medium heat. Stir continuously until sausage is well-browned and onions turn translucent, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic Flavor

Toss minced garlic into the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Shell pasta
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning

Stir mixture thoroughly and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta

Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the skillet. Cook until pasta becomes tender.

Step 5: Melt Cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Mix until cheese is completely melted and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Final Touch

Optional: Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish before serving.

Serving Tip: Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, home-style meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Easy and Cheesy Sausage Bake

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown the sausage over medium-high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall dish's richness.
• Control Pasta Texture: Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even, al dente consistency throughout the skillet.
• Maximize Cheese Melt: Let the residual heat help melt the cheeses smoothly, creating a creamy and uniform sauce without overcooking.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Quick Clean-Up Hack: Choose a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet to minimize dishes and allow easy transition from stovetop to oven if desired.

Save and Reheat Italian Sausage Bake Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Reheating: Warm the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking and maintain the pasta's texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled pasta tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Sides That Pair with Sausage Pasta Bake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the sausage and tomato-based sauce. The wine's acidity cuts through the cheese's creaminess while enhancing the dish's overall warmth.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's hearty, heavyweight texture. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta bake.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce. This side perfectly captures the rustic, comforting essence of the one-pot meal and adds delightful crunch to the dining experience.
• Complement with Chilled Italian Beer: Choose a crisp pilsner or light lager that cleanses the palate between bites and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta. The beer's subtle bitterness enhances the sausage's robust flavor profile.

Variations for One Pot Pasta Bake Dishes

• Spicy Chorizo Fusion: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo, adding a smoky kick and deeper flavor profile to the classic one-pot pasta.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blast: Swap sausage for roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, creating a vibrant vegetarian version packed with Mediterranean herbs.
• Creamy Alfredo Crossover: Transform the tomato base into a rich alfredo sauce by using heavy cream, garlic, and additional parmesan cheese for a luxurious texture.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Option: Substitute sausage with diced chicken breast, maintaining the one-pot simplicity while offering a leaner protein alternative.

One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage pasta bake combines robust flavors from tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Comfort meets elegance in this simple, satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (340 grams) shell pasta
• 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups (590 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Sauté italian sausage and diced onions in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, continuously stirring until meat is golden brown and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Add finely minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence while preventing burning.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, shell pasta, tomato paste, and italian seasoning into the skillet, mixing thoroughly until ingredients are well-integrated.
4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low-medium, allowing contents to simmer gently.
5. Cover and cook for 9-11 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure pasta cooks evenly and does not adhere to skillet bottom.
6. Remove skillet from heat source and fold in shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until completely melted and uniformly distributed throughout the dish.
7. For an extra indulgent presentation, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a tempting golden-brown crust when briefly broiled.

Notes

• One-pot magic eliminates multiple dishes and simplifies cleanup after cooking.
• Perfectly balanced meal combining protein from sausage, carbohydrates from pasta, and rich cheese flavors.
• Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on personal heat preference and family tastes.
• Meal can be prepared quickly in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for added brightness and color.
• Leftover portions reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day, ensuring no food waste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 910 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg