Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

One-Pot Sausage Pasta (Creamy, Savory & Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 29, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jan 8

Skillet with spiral pasta, ground meat, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese on a wooden table. The dish appears hot and savory.

This One-Pot Sausage Pasta is a cozy, creamy, flavor-packed dinner made in a single pan! Tender pasta simmers in a rich sauce with savory sausage, garlic, tomatoes, and parmesan. A fast, family-friendly weeknight meal that pairs perfectly with sides like Classic Caesar Salad, Herbed Focaccia Bread, or Crispy Roasted Potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This

Hearty pasta cooked with savory sausage in one pot
Bold, comforting flavor with minimal effort
Easy cleanup thanks to a simple one-pot method
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or leftovers

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded parmesan (plus extra for topping)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

For Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley
Extra parm
Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon. Drain extra grease if needed.
Add Onion & Garlic: Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add Liquids & Seasoning:
Stir in:
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Add salt & pepper.
Add Pasta: Pour in the dry pasta and stir. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer Until Tender: Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Finish & Serve: Top with fresh basil, more parmesan, and a sprinkle of pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ways to Serve

Serve alongside salads like Classic Southern Garden Salad or Broccoli Bacon Salad.
Add a warm side like Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread or Easy Homemade Italian Bread.
Pair with roasted sides such as Creamy Coleslaw or Honey Butter Glazed Carrots.
Add a cozy soup like Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a full comfort meal.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes — turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or spicy Italian all work great.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half is a great middle option.

What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne, shells, rotini, or bowties cook evenly in one-pot recipes.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions.

Can I make it spicy?

Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Sausage Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and comforting, all made in just one pan. It’s quick enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve guests. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this is the kind of recipe your readers will make again and again.