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 delicious 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 easy 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 easy 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, low heat 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 Recipe
Penne Pasta
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/2 cups diced yellow onion 1 large
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 cloves
- 1 pound Italian sausage see note 1
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste see note 2
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 (32-ounce) container chicken stock or broth, 4 cups
- 4 cups penne pasta
- 3/4 cup heavy cream see note 3
- Fresh basil optional
- Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over high heat. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes or until onions are golden. Push to the sides of the pot and add sausage to the center. Allow it to sear briefly, then break it apart and cook until no longer pink.
- Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste (I add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper). Sauté, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir. Add pasta and stir to submerge in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer (bubbling gently). Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Continue cooking until pasta is nearly done.
- Pour in the cream and continue simmering an additional 1–2 minutes or until pasta is al dente. It’s ok if it’s saucy; the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- Take the pot off the heat and give the pasta a good stir. Serve hot. If desired, garnish with ripped fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My go to sausage penne recipe! Thank you!!
Yay! Happy to hear!
My go to sausage penne recipe, so good! Thank you!
I’m Chelsea’s sister and I first tried this at her house and we were all OBSESSED! I make it regular now and it’s one the of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever tried!