Name: One Pot Spaghetti with Sausage Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 12 oz dried spaghetti; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving); Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the definition of weeknight comfort food. It’s quick, simple, and requires only one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. The sausage adds depth and spice to the tomato-based sauce, while the pasta absorbs all that flavor as it cooks. It’s also easy to customize with vegetables, different meats, or even a touch of cream for a twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Chicken or vegetable broth
Dried spaghetti
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the dried spaghetti directly into the pot, breaking in half if needed to fit.
Press the pasta into the liquid as much as possible. Cover and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 12–15 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–5 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option.
Add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy tomato sauce.
Try whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti—just adjust cooking time and liquid if needed.
Swap tomato sauce with marinara or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice or crumble and add it after sautéing the onions, then proceed with the recipe.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) gives the best flavor, but you can use any ground sausage you like.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or linguine also work. Adjust cooking times and add more liquid as needed.

Why is my pasta sticking?

Make sure to stir regularly while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a meatless version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Cook, cool, and store in the fridge for meal prep.

How do I prevent overcooking the pasta?

Simmer gently and check the pasta early. Once it’s al dente, remove from heat.

Is it okay to add more broth?

Yes, especially if the sauce gets too thick or the pasta needs more liquid to cook evenly.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely—just use a large enough pot and keep an eye on the liquid ratio.

Conclusion

One Pot Spaghetti with Sausage Sauce is a delicious and practical dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity. With bold, meaty richness and the ease of one-pot cooking, it’s a go-to meal for busy nights or when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Make it once, and you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation.