Name: One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon salted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 white onion, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound mild Italian sausage; 2 tablespoons red wine; 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Mutti’s®); 2 cups hot water; 8 ounces penne pasta; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

I cannot wait to share this One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that instantly became a favorite in my kitchen because it’s hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. The best part is that it’s all done in a single pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones. The rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta all meld together to create comfort food magic every single time.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the balance of flavors. The sausage brings a mild but savory depth while the tomato sauce adds a luscious acidity that brightens everything up. Then there’s that buttery richness from the olive oil and butter base, which just makes each bite feel like a warm hug on a plate. I love how the garlic and onions soften and sweeten as they cook, adding subtle layers that make this dish anything but ordinary.

Another thing that makes this One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe stand out is how simple it is to prepare. I know we all have busy lives, and I appreciate a meal that doesn’t require a dozen pots and pans or hours of prep. Just throw everything into one pot, stir occasionally, and let it work its magic. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even nights when you just want comfort food without the hassle. Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to whenever you want a satisfying, fuss-free dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with neatly arranged raw ground meat shaped into a rectangle with light pink and beige colors at the top left. Next to it is a white bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce with a thick texture, placed on a white marbled surface. Surrounding these are small clear glass bowls and white small dishes holding yellow butter, white chopped onions, minced garlic, grated cheese, black pepper, salt, and a small amount of olive oil. There is also a clear glass container with water and a small cup of dark brown liquid, all neatly arranged. At the bottom left, a clear bowl contains uncooked penne pasta with a pale yellow color. The whole setup is clean and organized, with ingredients ready to be cooked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a crucial role and keeps the dish wholesome and balanced. From aromatic onions and garlic to the hearty Italian sausage and robust marinara, these elements combine to deliver that classic Italian-inspired flavor and satisfying texture.

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a smooth flavor base.
Olive oil: Enhances the buttery notes and prevents sticking during cooking.
White onion: Provides sweetness and a mild crunch when minced finely.
Garlic cloves: Deliver a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
Mild Italian sausage: Brings savory notes and a bit of spice; breaking it up ensures even cooking.
Red wine: Adds acidity and complexity, perfect for deglazing the pan.
Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, offering tangy tomato goodness and a rich texture.
Penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the thick sauce.
Hot water: Used to finish cooking the pasta right in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing tastes.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty finish that’s always a winner.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by gathering all your ingredients so you have everything ready to go. Melt the salted butter and olive oil together in a large heavy sauce pot or a non-reactive Dutch oven over medium-low heat. This combination creates a flavorful fat base that’s crucial for this dish.

Step 2: Add the minced white onion and cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This stage builds the sweetness and aromatic foundation. Next, add the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant—it should only take about a minute, so be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Now, add the mild Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue browning for about 5 minutes, letting those delicious browned bits develop for extra flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Stir well to incorporate the wine’s rich acidity and let the alcohol cook off for a minute or so.

Step 5: Stir in the marinara sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Next, add your dry penne pasta directly to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, then cook for 5 minutes before pouring in 1 cup of hot water. Keep tasting your pasta for doneness and gradually stir in the remaining cup of water to ensure it cooks through without sticking.

Step 7: Continue simmering and stirring frequently, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking. Once the pasta reaches your preferred level of tenderness, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve the pasta hot in wide bowls and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese if you love that added layer of savory goodness. Then dig in and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe makes 4 generous servings—ideal for a family meal or sharing with friends. The prep time is about 15 minutes, mainly for chopping and gathering, while the cook time is roughly 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish, including simmering and careful pasta cooking. There’s no resting or cooling time necessary, so you can serve it immediately to enjoy that warmth and freshness at its peak.

How to Serve This One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe

A white pot filled with a thick red sauce with pieces of pasta mixed inside. A wooden spoon is stirring the pasta and sauce inside the pot. To the right of the pot, there is a white bowl filled with a portion of the same pasta in red sauce topped with grated cheese. Both the pot and bowl are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this pasta, I like to pair it with a fresh green salad to add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich sauce and sausage. Something simple—like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad—works beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a must-have for soaking up every last bit of sauce, because honestly, no pasta sauce should ever be wasted!

For garnishing and presentation, I love sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and brings an extra savory note. I often serve this dish in wide, shallow bowls so the pasta is spread out and the sauce shines, making it visually inviting and easy to eat. Portion-wise, one bowl per person is perfect—filling yet not overwhelming.

When it comes to drinks, this dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a wedge of lemon keeps things light and palate-cleansing. I’ve found that this meal is incredibly versatile, fitting for casual weeknight dinners but also special enough for small gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Variations

I love playing around with this one-pot recipe to suit what’s in my pantry or accommodate different dietary needs. For example, switching the mild Italian sausage for spicy chorizo adds a smoky kick that livens up the dish. If you prefer something leaner, ground turkey sausage works just as well without sacrificing flavor. For the sauce, you can swap marinara for a homemade tomato sauce or even a roasted red pepper sauce for a unique twist.

If you’re feeding guests with dietary restrictions, I recommend using gluten-free pasta to keep the dish accessible. To make it vegan, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty sautéed mushrooms, and omit the butter—using olive oil instead. You can also experiment with adding fresh veggies like spinach or zucchini toward the end of cooking to boost nutrition and color without complicating the process.

For a different cooking method, I occasionally finish the dish with a quick bake in the oven topped with mozzarella for a bubbly, golden finish. Alternatively, using a slow cooker on low with precooked sausage can create a hands-off meal while still blending these cozy flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe store wonderfully! I recommend transferring any uneaten portions to an airtight container and refrigerating within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, maintaining a lot of the original texture and flavor. Be sure to cool the pasta before sealing the container to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I find gently warming the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth helps restore the sauce’s creaminess and loosens the pasta nicely. Avoid microwaving without stirring, as it can cook unevenly and dry out. If using a microwave, heat in short increments and stir frequently to distribute heat and keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I used penne for this One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe, other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells work beautifully. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the pasta’s thickness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare and partially cook the sauce and sausage ahead, then add the pasta and finish cooking right before serving. This helps reduce the active cooking time when you’re ready to eat without losing freshness.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked sausage?

Pre-cooked sausage can be used, but I recommend adding it later in the cooking process since it just needs to be heated through. This prevents overcooking and maintains texture.

What if I don’t have red wine on hand?

No worries! You can substitute the red wine with extra marinara sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar diluted with water for a touch of acidity without alcohol.

How spicy is this recipe?

Using mild Italian sausage keeps the dish gently seasoned. If you prefer more heat, you can swap in spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this One-Pot Tomato Sausage Pasta Recipe a try because it has brought me so much comfort and joy around the dinner table. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Once you taste how all the flavors come together in one lovely pot, I bet it will become one of your treasured go-to meals, too!