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Indulge in the bold flavors of our one-pot spicy sausage pasta! With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite, ready to delight your taste buds in no time. Get ready for a memorable dining experience!

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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. 

Truly, 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.

Gathering the ingredients for this spicy sausage pasta feels like preparing for a culinary adventure, where each component brings its unique flair to the table. At the heart of this dish are smoked sausage, heavy cream, and chicken broth, each playing a pivotal role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. 

• 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. 

When you stand in the grocery store aisle, pondering your choices, remember that the success of this mouthwatering dish hinges on the quality of these key ingredients. Opt for the creamy decadence of full-fat heavy cream, a smoked sausage that promises a perfect blend of spices, and a chicken broth that’s rich and full-bodied. It’s these thoughtful selections that elevate your spicy sausage pasta from simply satisfying to truly unforgettable. 

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

After you’ve made this one-pan spicy sausage pasta that the whole family devoured last night, you might wonder what’s the best way to store the leftovers. First, allow the pasta to cool completely – this is crucial. Next, transfer it into an airtight container; this step makes all the difference in keeping it fresh. Pop it in the refrigerator, and you’re all set! 

When you’re ready to relive the magic of this dish, gently reheat your creamy sausage pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back its creamy texture. It’s almost like experiencing the dish for the first time, all over again. Trust me, the spicy flavors marry beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal even more special. 

Recipe Variations

Now, let’s talk mixing things up with this spicy sausage pasta! Picture this: maybe tonight, you swap out that smoked sausage for some turkey sausage or go bold with andouille sausage. Imagine the creamy sauce melting in your mouth, but this time, there’s a twist of pepper jack cheese making it even more irresistible. 

Don’t shy away from playing with the heat – toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes more or less, depending on your love for spicy foods. It’s all about making this easy pasta recipe your new favorite, catering not just to your taste buds but to the whole family’s. 

Experimenting with these variations elevates the humble pasta dish, securing its spot as a great recipe for any night. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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!

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