Italian Sausage Pasta One-Pot

This Italian sausage pasta is a cozy all-in-one meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Savory sausage and ground beef simmer together with aromatic veggies in a rich tomato sauce, while rotini pasta catches every cheesy bit. It is the kind of recipe that turns a regular weeknight into something deliciously special.

I love how this pasta comes together in under an hour and fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma. My family always finds their way to the stove for a taste before we even sit down.

Ingredients

• Hot Italian sausage: brings bold, spicy flavor and protein Choose links with a natural casing for a snap and buy fresh from the butcher if possible
• Ground beef: adds heartiness and depth Use 80 percent lean for a great balance of flavor and moisture
• Yellow onion: diced for a sweet base Select heavy, firm onions with shiny skins
• Jalapeno: gives a gentle kick Remove the seeds if you want less heat and pick a glossy dark green pepper for freshness
• Garlic: adds aromatic punch Look for firm cloves with tight skins
• Butter: creates a buttery richness to start the dish Always use unsalted for better control of the seasoning
• Oregano and basil: layer in Italian herb notes Use dried herbs for convenience or fresh for brighter taste
• Black pepper: balances the spice and accentuates flavor Freshly ground is always best
• Tomato sauce, tomato paste, and petite diced tomatoes: build the backbone of the sauce Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes with no added sugar if you can
• Diced green chiles: offer a subtle tang and gentle spice Choose brands with minimal sodium
• Beef broth: deepens the savory character Homemade or low-sodium store bought both work great
• Rotini pasta: catches every bit of sauce with its spirals Go for semolina pasta for the best texture
• Mozzarella cheese: brings creaminess and delicious melt Always grate your own cheese for the finest melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Brown Sausage:

Place your large dutch oven over medium heat add butter then arrange the sausage links spacing them evenly Brown on all sides which takes about eight minutes The casing will turn deep golden and the fat renders for flavor

Slice and Return Sausage:

Transfer browned sausage to a board and slice into half inch thick rounds Carefully return them to the pan so every piece gets coated in those flavorful drippings

Sauté Beef and Vegetables:

Add ground beef diced onion and chopped jalapeno to your dutch oven Break up the meat with a spoon as you go Cook gently until the beef loses its pink color and the veggies turn soft and fragrant Drain off most of the grease but leave a few spoonfuls for taste

Season the Base:

Scatter oregano basil and black pepper over the meat mixture Fold everything together so the herbs bloom in the hot fat infusing all the flavors

Build the Sauce:

Pour in tomato sauce tomato paste and diced tomatoes Stir well to combine Then cover and let the sauce gently simmer for about fifteen to twenty minutes stirring occasionally The sauce will thicken and the flavors meld

Add Broth and Pasta:

Uncover the pot and pour in beef broth followed by the rotini Stir it all together and let the pasta simmer uncovered until just tender This takes about ten minutes Taste as you go to check for doneness

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pan from heat Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and stir until it melts right into the sauce The pasta should turn gloriously cheesy and creamy right before your eyes

Serve Up:

Dish out generous portions while hot Pair with a crisp salad and plenty of crusty bread to soak up the sauce

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Mozzarella is my favorite part of this recipe I remember my kids standing on tiptoes grating fresh mozzarella just to sneak a cheesy bite before the pasta was even ready This step always brings everyone together

Storage tips

Keep leftovers tightly sealed in an airtight container They stay good for up to four days in the refrigerator To reheat stir in a splash of broth to loosen before warming on the stove or microwave This pasta also freezes beautifully for up to two months Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results

Ingredient substitutions

Not a fan of spice Swap hot Italian sausage for mild or sweet versions You can replace jalapeno with green bell pepper for a milder heat Turkey sausage and ground turkey are delicious lighter options Gluten free rotini works perfectly and any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or provolone can sub for mozzarella

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Serving suggestions

This pasta stands out on its own but I love serving it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil and a rustic loaf of bread Garnish with extra cheese or a light sprinkle of fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy feel Leftovers are fantastic baked in a casserole dish with more cheese on top

Cultural context

While not traditional Italian the mix of sausage herbs and pasta speaks to Italian American comfort food at its best Many families adapt recipes like this to suit what is in the pantry making it both classic and endlessly flexible Everyone can add their own twist making it a staple across generations

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well and absorb the flavors just like rotini.

→ Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Substitute mild Italian sausage and omit jalapeno to reduce the heat while maintaining savory depth.

→ Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Absolutely. The pasta can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and gently reheated when ready to serve.

→ What cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?

Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor and meltability.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions for extra color and nutrition.