Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Rich & Creamy – The pasta cooks in a flavorful broth, creating a luscious sauce.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort.
Customizable – Use your favorite sausage and add extra veggies or spice.
Family-Friendly – A delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

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

For the Base:

300g penne pasta
4½ cups water
14oz can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon oil

For the Meat and Vegetables:

4 pork sausages (approximately 14oz)
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

For Finishing:

2oz full-fat cream cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Sausage: Remove sausage meat from casings and cook with oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, breaking into chunks. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the red bell pepper and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Add the Base Ingredients: Stir in pasta, undrained diced tomatoes, water, and return the cooked sausage to the pan.
Simmer Until Tender: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Make It Creamy: Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded Parmesan or mozzarella before serving.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition.
Different Sausage: Swap pork sausage for chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
Creamier Texture: Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle works well, but cooking times may vary.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative or use coconut cream for a rich texture.

3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

4. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes! Slice it and add it after sautéing the vegetables to heat through.

5. What can I serve with this pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

6. How do I thicken the sauce?

Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking, or add more cream cheese for extra richness.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need extra liquid.

8. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of the pasta changes when frozen and thawed.

9. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for the sausage and vegetables, then pressure cook for 5 minutes before stirring in the cream cheese.

10. Can I use ground meat instead of sausage?

Yes! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken work well—just add extra seasoning to mimic sausage flavors.

Conclusion

This one-pot creamy sausage pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and easy meal that delivers comfort without the hassle. With rich, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and savory sausage, this dish is a guaranteed hit for weeknights. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup!