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–+ servings

One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

🇮🇹👏🏻 An EASY comfort food recipe that's loaded with Italian flavors, ready in 20 minutes, made in ONE pot, and a family favorite! No need to boil the pasta separately to save time and dishes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 511
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed (I used hot but sweet Italian sausage may be substituted))
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil (as desired)
  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or pressed)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano (optional)
  • one 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes (I used Hunt's no-salt added, tomato basil oregano flavor)
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 cups penne pasta (another small-shaped pasta may be substituted)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 to 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil (chiffonaded)
  • freshly ground black pepper (to taste if desired)

Method
 

  1. To a large skillet at least 4-inches deep or large pot, add the sausage, 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil if desired, and brown sausage over medium high heat. Crumble sausage as it cooks; do not drain.
  2. Add the garlic, optional oregano, stir, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir nearly constantly.
  3. Add the tomatoes, water, pasta, stir, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and the water has incorporated. Stir once midway through cooking, paying attention to the pasta on the bottom of the skillet so it doesn't stick (this is why I recommend olive oil, even with sausage).
  4. Turn off the heat, add the sour cream, and stir to combine.
  5. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
  6. Add the basil, pepper if desired (I didn't need to add salt), and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 511kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 19gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 758mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

  • For a creamier sauce, let the pasta rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding the sour cream and cheese; this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure to stir it once or twice during cooking and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
  • If you prefer a milder dish, swap out the hot Italian sausage for sweet sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; just reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
  • For a burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving for an extra kick.

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