A comforting one-pot pasta with Italian sausage, vegetables, and a creamy sauce — minimal dishes and big flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or basil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes; cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Return the sausage to the pot. Add pasta, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover partially, and cook about 10–12 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.