Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well - penne, rotini, or bow ties are all great choices. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly, so check your pasta for doneness as it cooks.

Is this recipe too spicy for kids?

While it has a kick from the Andouille and red pepper flakes, you can easily adjust the heat level. Use kielbasa instead of Andouille and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder, family-friendly version that still packs tons of flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

My sauce seems too thin, what went wrong?

Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If your sauce seems thin after cooking, simply let it rest uncovered for 5-15 minutes. It will thicken considerably as it cools slightly. You can also add a bit more cheese if needed.

One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta Recipe

Name: One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ring (13 ounces) Andouille smoked sausage, or kielbasa, sliced diagonally into ¼ inch pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup, 160g); 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered (approximately 1½ cups, 226g); 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth; ½ cup (119g) heavy cream; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 8 ounces dry campanelle pasta (or pasta of choice); 1 cup (113g) Monterey jack cheese, shredded; ¼ cup (25g) parmesan cheese, grated; Parsley for garnish (optional)

This One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Featuring smoky Andouille sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and two kinds of melty cheese, all swimming in a creamy, spicy sauce – this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy your evening.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy sausage, sweet tomatoes, and creamy sauce creates layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop.
Family-Friendly: Despite the “spicy” in the title, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit even picky eaters while still maintaining amazing flavor.
Impressively Simple: This dish looks and tastes like something from a restaurant, but requires only basic cooking skills and everyday ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Andouille sausage or kielbasa: The star protein that adds smoky, savory depth. Pre-cooked sausage makes this recipe extra quick!
Olive oil: Just enough to brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics for maximum flavor development.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet foundation that balances the spice of the dish.
Garlic: Essential for adding that unmistakable aromatic quality that makes any pasta dish irresistible.
Cherry tomatoes: These burst with sweet-tart flavor and create little pockets of brightness throughout the dish.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of our sauce while adding richness and depth.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky texture that coats every bite. This is what makes the dish truly special!
Seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes): The perfect balance of basic seasoning with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
Campanelle pasta: The flower-shaped pasta catches the sauce in its ruffled edges, but any short pasta works beautifully.
Monterey jack cheese: Melts perfectly into the sauce, adding creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Adds that savory, umami punch that takes this dish to the next level.
Parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens both the flavor and appearance of the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Veggie-Packed

Add a handful of baby spinach, diced bell peppers, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Seafood Twist

Replace the sausage with shrimp added in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an equally delicious coastal version.

Extra Spicy Version

Double the red pepper flakes and add a diced jalapeño with the onions for serious heat seekers.

Lighter Option

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey sausage for a lighter but still delicious meal.

How to Make One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. The caramelization here adds incredible flavor, so don’t rush this step! Remove sausage to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot (don’t clean it – those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. This creates the aromatic foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add quartered cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, seasonings, dry pasta, and the browned sausage back to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged in liquid. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite, remove the pot from heat. Add both cheeses and stir until completely melted and incorporated. Let the pasta rest uncovered for 5-10 minutes – this is crucial for the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot in wide bowls to capture all that delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Pasta: For extra nutty flavor, toss the dry pasta in the pot for a minute before adding the liquids.
Watch Your Liquid: Different pasta shapes absorb liquid differently. If your sauce seems too thin, let it rest longer; if too thick, add a splash more broth.
Slice Sausage on the Diagonal: This creates more surface area for browning and gives a more professional presentation.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Those final 5-10 minutes without heat allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle.

How to Serve

This pasta is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect accompaniments:

Simple Sides

Pair with a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the pasta.

Bread Options

A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Wine Pairing

This dish calls for a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Chianti that can stand up to the spice but won’t overwhelm the creamy elements.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly when thawed. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating works too – cover loosely and heat at 70% power, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well – penne, rotini, or bow ties are all great choices. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly, so check your pasta for doneness as it cooks.
Is this recipe too spicy for kids?

While it has a kick from the Andouille and red pepper flakes, you can easily adjust the heat level. Use kielbasa instead of Andouille and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder, family-friendly version that still packs tons of flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
My sauce seems too thin, what went wrong?

Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If your sauce seems thin after cooking, simply let it rest uncovered for 5-15 minutes. It will thicken considerably as it cools slightly. You can also add a bit more cheese if needed.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta has become my go-to for those evenings when I want something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, but actually takes minimal effort. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a quick, satisfying dinner that will impress everyone at your table!