Get ready to dig into our one-pot spicy sausage pasta! With just one pot and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a fun twist on a classic, and your taste buds are in for a treat!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
Why You'll Love This Pasta Recipe
I remember the first time I tried making this One-Pan Wonder: Spicy Sausage Pasta. It was a busy weeknight, just like any other, with no time to stop at the grocery store or spend hours in the kitchen.
That's when I stumbled upon this spicy sausage pasta recipe. What caught my attention was not just the use of heavy cream, chicken broth, and spicy flavors that promised a creamy sauce with just the right hint of heat; it was the fact that everything could be cooked in a large skillet, making it an easy pasta recipe perfect for our hectic schedule.
The blend of savory sausage, whether you choose andouille sausage or a mild Italian sausage, with a pinch of red pepper flakes and sweet bell peppers, creates a spicy sauce that coats the penne pasta al dente beautifully. It quickly became a new favorite in my household, beloved for its ability to please the whole family with its complex flavors yet simple preparation.
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This easy pasta dish has become our go-to for nights when we crave something hearty and delicious but don't have the time for anything elaborate. It's a testament to how a great recipe can make weekday dinners feel like a gourmet feast without any of the fuss.
Spicy Sausage Pasta Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Smoked sausage introduces a savory depth, infusing the pasta with a smoky, meaty essence that's irresistible.
- Heavy cream envelops every noodle in a velvety, rich sauce that balances out the heat with its smooth embrace.
- Chicken broth or chicken stock lends a comforting, homey base, ensuring that every bite is moist, succulent, and bursting with complexity.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes will give spice and substance to the creamy sauce. I like to use fire-roasted Rotel, but feel free to use your favorite variety. For less spice, use Mild Rotel.
How to Make Spicy Sausage Pasta
[Step 1] Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced sausage, chopped sweet bell peppers, and chopped onions. Cook until the onions are tender. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute.
[Step 2] Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Rotel tomatoes, and box of pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let the pasta simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
[Step 3] When that pasta is tender, stir in the shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the top with chopped cilantro or parsley. If desired, mix in half of the cheese and sprinkle the rest on top. Place under the broiler until the cheese has melted. Enjoy!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cheese Grater
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover spicy sausage pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This way, you’ll get that delicious, spicy flavor back in no time!
Recipe Variations
- Swap the sausage: Try using turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Change the pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti for a different texture or shape.
- Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it creamy: Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamy twist on the classic recipe.
- Go cheesy: Add mozzarella, Parmesan, or ricotta cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to kick up the heat even more.
- Herb it up: Try adding fresh basil, oregano, or parsley to elevate the flavors.
- Use a different sauce: Try a tomato cream sauce, pesto, or even a garlic butter sauce for a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use something besides heavy cream to lighten things up? Yes, feel free to swap in half-and-half or even a splash of milk with a touch of flour to thicken it up.
- What type of sausage is best for this recipe? Both andouille and turkey sausage make great substitutes for mild Italian sausage, giving you that kick of spice or a leaner option.
- How to I achieve perfect al dente pasta? The trick is to keep a close eye on it and taste test towards the end of cooking. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook a bit in that gorgeous, spicy sauce, so pulling it off the heat a minute early is your secret weapon.
Final Thoughts
Making this spicy sausage pasta for the first time, I realized it's the new favorite dish I didn't know my busy weeknights needed. Its one-pan wonder magic and the sheer convenience mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal with the whole family.
The blend of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and just the right pinch of red pepper flakes creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, making it an easy pasta recipe anyone can master.
Whether you opt for smoked sausage, regular sausage, or even turkey sausage, this dish adapts to your preference while keeping those spicy flavors we all crave. I stored leftovers in an airtight container, and they were just as delightful the next day. I invite you to dive into this creamy sausage pasta adventure, tweak it to your liking, and share with us your spicy sauce triumphs. After all, great recipes are meant to be passed around.
Did you try this recipe? Make sure to give it a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Sausage sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper chopped
- 2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
- ¼-1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 16 Ounces Penne Pasta
- 2 Cups Mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced sausage, chopped sweet bell peppers, and chopped onions. Cook until the onions are tender. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Rotel tomatoes, and box of pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let the pasta simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- When that pasta is tender, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the rest on top. Place under the broiler until the cheese has melted. Enjoy!
