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Save time and energy in the kitchen with this one pot creamy spicy sausage pasta recipe! Perfect for a busy weeknight, this quick and easy stove top dinner is done in a single skillet in just 30 minutes. Plus, it packs a delicious punch that the whole family will enjoy!
More one pot weeknight dinner wins! This stove top creamy spicy sausage pasta was actually a request from my sister. She attempted a similar dish and, I quote "it failed spectacularly. Absolutely disgusting. HOW do you make this so that it isn't creamy in a gross way?" 😂. Challenge accepted!
Why You'll Love It
I'd like to think I was quite successful at this creamy spicy sausage pasta challenge. How so you may ask? Ahem:
- It's a one pot wonder! The whole recipe is cooked up in a single skillet, including the pasta. So simple!
- The entire dish only takes 30 minutes to make. Yup! Just 30 minutes start to finish.
- It's all done on the stove. No need to preheat the oven!
See?? Did I nail it or what?
Freezing and Storage
Fantastic news! You can absolutely freeze any creamy spicy sausage pasta leftovers.
For storing: Store in an airtight container and place in the fridge to chill up to 5 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or for best texture, reheat it in a skillet on the stove. Add a splash of milk if necessary to restore it's creamy consistency!
For freezing: Once cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and follow the same reheating steps as listed in the "For storing" section.
FAQs About This Recipe
Alternatively, "you forgot to list the cream". Nope! No heavy whipping cream here. The whole milk and ricotta cheese adds all the creaminess you need!
You can definitely use skim milk but I wouldn't suggest a milk alternative, just because of the flavoring. Be aware if you do use skim milk, you'll be lowering the fat content so the pasta dish won't be quite as creamy.
No, you can easily swap it out with regular/mild Italian sausage or a meat alternative of your choice. Do keep in mind that using mild Italian sausage will remove any spice level from the dish, and a meat alternative will somewhat change the texture.
More questions? Drop me a line in the comments below!
Creamy Spicy Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
Description
Save time and energy in the kitchen with this one pot creamy spicy sausage pasta recipe! Perfect for a busy weeknight, this quick and easy stove top dinner is done in a single skillet in just 30 minutes. Plus, it packs a delicious punch that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb short cut pasta (I used mezzi rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup red wine or red wine vinegar
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed*
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, roughly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, roughly minced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried fennel
- Optional: ½ cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Coarse salt, ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or braiser, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and sausage and cook until onion is somewhat softened and sausage is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and spinach (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until garlic fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and fennel if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until tomato paste starts to brown.
- Add wine to the skillet. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Pour tomato sauce, milk, and broth into the skillet and stir to combine. Add short cut pasta and distribute evenly. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in basil, oregano, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with any remaining fresh herbs as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
While you can use skim milk, whole milk adds a touch more creaminess to this recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
CMK says
Thank you for the recipe- this was so delicious! I made it exactly as written, and used "Super Greens" for the spinach recommendation. My husband and I both loved it! It was easy, satisfying, and flavorful. A definite keeper!