Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet delicious meal that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With its rich taste and straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. The combination of savory sausage, fresh basil, and soothing pasta creates a comforting dish everyone will love.
This one-pot recipe cuts down on the cleanup time, making it a breeze to prepare. It’s hearty, fulfilling, and ideal for both experienced cooks and those just starting. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Equipment Needed For One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment. First, a large skillet or pot is crucial for cooking your ingredients together. It allows even heating and proper mixing.
You will also need a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. This helps to break apart the sausage as it cooks and ensures all ingredients blend well. A measuring cup and spoons will help you get the right amounts of pasta and liquid. Lastly, a cutting board and knife will be helpful for mincing garlic and chiffonading basil.
What You Need to Make One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon oregano (optional)
- One 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2/3 to 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chiffonaded
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Cook One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta Step by Step
To begin making One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta, take your large skillet or pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The oil helps to brown the sausage and stop it from sticking to the pan. As the sausage cooks, crumbling it with a wooden spoon ensures it gets evenly browned.
As the sausage turns golden and cooked through, it’s time to add in the minced garlic, followed by the optional oregano for an extra hit of flavor. Stir everything together for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it.
Next, it’s time to mix in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, the measured water, and penne pasta. Stir everything until well combined. Lower your heat to medium-low, and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. It’s a good idea to give it a stir once halfway through to keep everything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Once the pasta becomes al dente and the water has mostly absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream until it is fully combined. This creamy addition brings a lovely richness to the dish.
Next, fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chiffonaded basil, and ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to ensure uniform flavor distribution. It should be creamy and colorful, ready for immediate serving.
How To Make One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
Making One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is quite simple. Begin by preparing your ingredients—remove casings from the sausage, mince the garlic, and chiffonade the basil. This prep will help you keep the cooking process smooth and quick.
As you follow the cooking steps, remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Each cook has their own taste preferences, so a pinch of salt or more black pepper can enhance the flavors as you see fit. Keep the heat at moderate levels to avoid burning the garlic or overcooking the pasta.
How To Serve One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
Serve One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta immediately after preparing. A heaping spoonful on each plate garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh basil adds a nice touch. The vibrant colors alongside the creamy texture make for an inviting presentation.
For a little extra flavor, a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the dish just before serving. It adds a glossy finish and delicious aroma.
What To Serve With One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the richer pasta. A side of garlic bread or cheese bread also adds to the meal, enhancing the Italian dining experience.
You might also consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a sautéed mixture of spinach and zucchini. These options not only add color to your meal but also increase the nutritional value.
How To Store One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
To store any leftovers of your One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta, first allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container, making sure to seal it tightly. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring all air is pressed out before sealing. This can keep it fresh for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw the frozen pasta in the fridge overnight and heat it thoroughly on the stove or in a microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Tips To Make One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
For best results, pick high-quality Italian sausage. Sweet or spicy options can both work fine depending on your taste preferences. Adjusting the garlic and spice levels also tailors the dish to your liking.
If you want additional nutritional value, consider adding some vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms can be sautéed with the sausage for added flavor and texture.
Feel free to substitute the penne pasta with your pasta of choice. Bowties, fusilli, or rigatoni are all great options that work well with this recipe.
Variation
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is versatile. If you prefer a lighter version, use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage. This can cut down on fat and calories while still providing a delicious flavor.
For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with diced zucchini or mushrooms and add more cheese to maintain richness.
Experimenting with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, can also change up the taste, providing a new twist on the classic flavors.
Best Time To Make One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
This recipe shines as a quick weeknight meal due to its short cooking time. It’s wonderful for an easy dinner after a long day or a casual get-together, serving lots of guests with little effort.
Also, if you have family gatherings or potluck events, this pasta dish can feed a crowd and quickly disappear.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Since it will continue to absorb moisture even after turning off the heat, check it at the recommended cooking time. It should be slightly firm but cooked through.
Another mistake is neglecting to stir the pasta during cooking. This can cause it to stick together or to the bottom of the pot. A good stir halfway through ensures everything cooks evenly.
Lastly, avoid rushing through the preparation stage—mis-misreading ingredient amounts can lead to imbalances in flavor. Prepping properly ensures a delicious outcome.
Nutritional Notes
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is hearty yet satisfying. It provides a balanced meal with protein from sausage, carbohydrates from pasta, and vitamins from tomatoes and basil. Adjust ingredients like sour cream or cheese to fit dietary preferences and calorie needs.
Remember that portion control is key. A well-balanced plate along with fresh veggies ensures you enjoy the flavors without overindulging.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take slightly longer than traditional pasta.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook it fresh when ready to serve. Alternatively, you can make the whole dish and store leftovers as instructed.
What if I can’t find fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can be used as an alternative. Adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated—about a third of the fresh amount.
Conclusion
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that combines great flavors and simple preparation. It brings everyone to the table for a comforting meal that’s easy to love. With minimal clean-up and endless flexibility, this recipe deserves a place in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy creating and sharing this dish, making it your own each time you prepare it!
One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet or pot, heat over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Crumble the sausage while it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Once the sausage is golden and cooked through, add in the minced garlic and optional oregano. Stir for a minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes (with juice), water, and penne pasta. Stir until well combined.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- When the pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, chiffonaded basil, and ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently.
