This one-pot Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage packs a flavor punch with a rich, creamy tomato base surrounding savory sausage and pasta. It’s total comfort in a bowl, and boom – ready in 30 minutes or less!

For a penne pasta recipe with chicken, try our Sun-Dried Tomato-Chicken Pasta, coated in a delicious Parmesan Cream Sauce.

Quick Tip

What is penne pasta? Penne, named after the Italian word for “pen”, resembles short tube-shaped bits with angled ends. Its size and ridges are great for grabbing onto sauce!

Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage in the Pot.

Penne Pasta Recipe

Look, busy weeknights need quick pasta dishes, and this one? Well, this simple Penne Pasta with Sausage recipe is an absolute winner at my home! 

The mix of Italian sausage (go mild or spicy–your pick) in a creamy tomato sauce, with tender pasta, and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan? Talk about pasta perfection!

And the cherry on top? There’s just one pot to clean up afterward and minimal prep time. Both are big wins in my book.

Quick Tip

Into easy one-pot dishes? Give our One-Pot Spaghetti, no-fuss Hamburger Helper, or One-Pot Chicken Orzo a whirl. They’ve got rave reviews for a reason!

All Ingredients for the Recipe Gathered Together.

Penne Pasta With Sausage Ingredients

Here’s what we’ve got going on in this tasty penne pasta dish:

  • Olive oil: Lay down a flavorful foundation with good olive oil. It elevates all the other ingredients.
  • Yellow onion: Onions bring a sweet undertone and richness. If you’re on the clock, pick up pre-diced from the store.
  • Garlic: For a speedy prep, go for jarred garlic or use a garlic press.
  • Italian sausage: Choose between mild or spicy. For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage.
  • Italian seasoning: This medley of herbs, typically basil, oregano, rosemary, and more, gives that classic Italian aroma and flavor.
  • Tomato paste: We choose paste for its thick, intense, and concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Crushed tomatoes: These create a saucier texture, which is the backbone of our dish.
  • Chicken stock or broth: Beats plain water any day! It infuses the pasta with a nice savory flavor.
  • Penne pasta: Penne soaks up all that saucy goodness, and cooks to perfection in the same pot as everything else!
  • Heavy whipping cream: Transform the dish with cream to create lush, creamy richness. This also helps to thicken everything up nicely.

Quick Tip

Heavy whipping cream is essential in Penne Pasta With Sausage. The high-fat content thickens the sauce, giving this pasta and sauce a creamy texture. Regular milk lacks this ability, leading to a less rich, watery sauce.

Sautéing Onion and Garlic, Browning Sausage, Stirring in Seasonings and Tomato Paste for One Pot Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage.

How To Make Penne Pasta With Sausage (Tips)

  1. Prep ahead: Measure and organize ingredients in advance for a smooth process.
  2. Use a spacious pot: A large pot keeps the pasta from clumping and ensures even cooking.
  3. Taste as you go: Adjusting as you cook can make a world of difference to the final flavor.
  4. Regular stirring: Stirring keeps the pasta from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly.
  5. Cook pasta to al dente: The pasta continues to cook a bit even after you turn off the heat due to the hot sauce, so slightly undercooking initially ensures the perfect texture by the time you get the dinner to the plate!
  6. Finish cooking on low heat: After adding the heavy whipping cream, keep the heat low to maintain a smooth texture.
  7. Serve hot: Pasta dishes, especially creamy ones, are best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Sautéing Sausage, Adding Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta, Bringing to a Simmer, and Simmering with Occasional Stirring.

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:

Adding Cream, Simmering, Mixing with Basil, and Serving The Dish

Storage

This Italian Penne Pasta With Sausage 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!

Close-up View of Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage Dish.

What To Serve With Penne Pasta With Sausage

More Favorite Pasta Dishes

Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage in the Pot.
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5 from 1 vote

Penne Pasta

By Chelsea Lords
One-pot Penne Pasta with Sausage is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. With a rich tomato sauce, hearty sausage, and tender pasta, it’s comfort food ready in 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot

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

Note 1: Sausage comes in different-sized packages—as long as you’re in the general ballpark, this recipe will work just fine. If using Italian sausages with casings, be sure to remove the casings before cooking. I do not drain off the grease in this recipe, but you can if you’d like.
Note 2: Stick to tomato paste for this recipe; it’s far more concentrated than other tomato products.
Note 3: I don’t recommend swapping out milk for the heavy cream. The cream balances the acidity of the tomato paste and has enough fat to properly thicken. Nut milks don’t work well, either.
Storage: Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 739kcal | Carbohydrates: 69.9g | Protein: 26.4g | Fat: 36.9g | Cholesterol: 90.2mg | Sodium: 890mg | Fiber: 5.4g | Sugar: 9.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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