This creamy one-pot spaghetti is a cozy dish that brings together tender pasta and juicy Italian sausage in a dreamy sauce. It’s a quick meal that makes cleanup a breeze!
Who doesn’t love a pasta dish that only dirties one pot? I always enjoy making this when I’m feeling lazy but still want something delicious. You’ll be happily slurping away! 😋
This recipe is perfect for nights when I want something comforting and easy. Just cook the pasta with everything in one pot, and dinner is served in no time! Enjoy it with some garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti is ideal, but feel free to swap it with whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking time as needed!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based cream if you’re dairy-free. Just remember, the sauce may not be as thick.
Chicken Broth: If you’re looking for vegetarian options, vegetable broth can be a great substitute. I also love using homemade broth for better flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is best, but Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work as a dairy-free option. Adjust to taste.
How Do You Cook Spaghetti Perfectly in One Pot?
Cooking spaghetti in one pot is all about timing and liquid management! Here’s how to make it work smoothly:
- Brown the sausage: This infuses flavor into the dish. Remove it, then cook the onions and garlic in the sausage fat for extra depth.
- Simmer with Liquid: When adding your broth and spaghetti, make sure it’s enough to cook the pasta without drying out the pot. Stir regularly!
- Monitor Cook Time: Spaghetti cooks quickly, usually around 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness to ensure it’s al dente.
- Adjust Sauce: Stir in the cream and cheese off the heat to create a creamy consistency. Taste and add salt or spices if needed.
By following these steps, you’ll have a creamy, delicious spaghetti dish that’s perfect for any dinner!
Creamy One-Pot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can diced tomatoes (optional for some acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in about 30-35 minutes total. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large deep skillet or wide pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan, leaving the rendered fat (flavor) in the bottom.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion to the same pan. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant.
3. Add Spaghetti and Broth:
Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the onions and garlic. Now, add the spaghetti, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if you’re using them), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together nicely!
4. Simmer Away:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
5. Make It Creamy:
After the spaghetti is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is creamy and delicious. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is combined, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving. Dive into your creamy, hearty one-pot spaghetti with Italian sausage and savor every bite!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Creamy One-Pot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great option for added fiber, and gluten-free pasta works well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary from regular spaghetti.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead, though the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or cashew cream for a delicious twist!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
