One-Pot

Sausage And Potato Pasta

Name: Sausage And Potato Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 lb (450g) penne pasta; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Marcus Vanover · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both comforting and easy to make. That's why I love my Sausage And Potato Pasta recipe - it's a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I remember my grandmother used to make a similar dish when I was a child, and the smell of sausage and potatoes simmering on the stovetop would fill the entire house. It was always a treat to sit down to a warm, satisfying bowl of pasta, and I've carried on that tradition with my own family.

This recipe is special because it's made with simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets. The key is to use high-quality sausage and to cook the pasta al dente, so it still has a bit of bite to it. I also like to add some diced potatoes to the sauce, which adds a nice depth of flavor and texture.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a foodie who loves to experiment with new flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It's also a great way to use up any leftover sausage or potatoes you might have on hand, making it a versatile and practical choice for any home cook.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Sausage And Potato Pasta dish that's sure to become a staple in your household. From the initial prep work to the final finishing touches, I'll provide you with all the tips and techniques you need to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The combination of sausage, potatoes, and penne pasta creates a hearty and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
The use of a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce that's both flavorful and comforting.
This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
The addition of grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a nice salty flavor and helps to bring all the components together.
This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with the family.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe's success lies in the combination of flavors and textures. The sausage adds a meaty, savory flavor, while the potatoes add a nice depth and creaminess to the sauce. The penne pasta is the perfect choice because it's sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty sauce, but still cooks quickly and evenly.

Another key factor is the use of a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce. This not only adds flavor but also helps to balance out the spiciness of the sausage. By cooking the sauce slowly over low heat, we can reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors, resulting in a thick and velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Finally, the addition of some grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a nice salty flavor and helps to bring all the components together. By following these simple steps and using a few basic ingredients, you can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.

The technique of cooking the pasta al dente and then finishing it in the sauce is also crucial. This helps to create a nice texture contrast between the pasta and the sauce, and ensures that the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful sauce. By using a bit of the starchy pasta water to help loosen the sauce, we can achieve a smooth and creamy consistency that's just right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Sausage And Potato Pasta recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets. The key is to use high-quality sausage and to choose the right type of potatoes for the dish. Look for a sweet Italian sausage that's made with pork and has a nice balance of spices and flavorings. For the potatoes, choose a high-starch variety like Russet or Idaho, which will help to create a creamy and tender sauce.

In addition to the sausage and potatoes, you'll also need some penne pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and a few basic spices and seasonings. Be sure to choose a good-quality Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the dish at the end - it makes all the difference in terms of flavor and texture.

1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removedLook for a high-quality sausage that's made with pork and has a nice balance of spices and flavorings. You can also use other types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or Chorizo, to give the dish a different flavor profile.
2 large potatoes, peeled and dicedChoose a high-starch variety like Russet or Idaho, which will help to create a creamy and tender sauce. You can also use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but they may produce a slightly different texture and flavor.
1 lb (450g) penne pastaPenne pasta is the perfect choice for this recipe because it's sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty sauce, but still cooks quickly and evenly. You can also use other types of pasta, such as rigatoni or ziti, but they may produce a slightly different texture and flavor.
4 cups (1L) chicken brothUse a low-sodium chicken broth to avoid adding too much salt to the dish. You can also use homemade chicken broth or a combination of chicken and beef broth for added depth of flavor.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, but you can also use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter for a lighter version.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil to add flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but they may produce a slightly different flavor and texture.
1 onion, dicedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for added flavor and texture. You can also use other types of onions, such as yellow or white onions, but they may produce a slightly different flavor and texture.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. You can also use other types of garlic, such as roasted garlic or garlic scapes, for added depth of flavor.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilDried basil adds a sweet and herbaceous flavor to the dish, but you can also use fresh basil for added brightness and flavor. Use about 1/4 cup (15g) of chopped fresh basil leaves as a substitute.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent and earthy flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for added depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to add flavor and texture to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but be sure to taste the dish regularly as you cook to avoid over-salting or over-peppering.
1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for added creaminess and flavor. Use a good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Sausage And Potato Pasta

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerCheese grater or food processorMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Sausage And Potato Pasta

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter and unpleasant.
3
Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they're tender and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.
4
Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
5
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the sauce, which should reach 180°F (82°C) for food safety.
7
While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until it's al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the penne.
8
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to toss the pasta, as metal utensils can scratch the pot or damage the pasta.
9
Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Use a cheese grater or food processor to grate the Parmesan cheese, as this will help to release the flavors and textures of the cheese.
10
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley or basil if desired. Use a measuring cup to portion out the pasta, and a spoon or spatula to serve.
11
Let the pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Use this time to prepare any additional garnishes or sides, such as a green salad or garlic bread.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to add depth and richness to the dish.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pasta, which should reach 190°F (88°C) for food safety.
Add some acidity, such as a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar, to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Use a variety of herbs and spices to add depth and complexity to the dish. Consider adding some dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce for added flavor.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own. Consider adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Use this time to prepare any additional garnishes or sides.
Use a good-quality cheese grater or food processor to grate the Parmesan cheese, as this will help to release the flavors and textures of the cheese.
Consider adding some other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to the sauce for added creaminess and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough liquid in the sauce, which can make it too thick and sticky.
Not seasoning the pasta with enough salt and pepper, which can make it bland and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which can make the dish lack depth and richness.
Not letting the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving, which can make the sauce seem too thin and the flavors unbalanced.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage and pasta, which can make the dish unsafe to eat.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or Chorizo, to give the dish a different flavor profile.
Add some other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to the sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
Use a variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Add some acidity, such as a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar, to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni or ziti, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

What to Serve With Sausage And Potato Pasta

This Sausage And Potato Pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Consider adding some other sides, such as roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach, to round out the meal. You can also serve the pasta with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added creaminess and flavor.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesSautéed spinachGrilled chicken or shrimp

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

When reheating the pasta, be sure to add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to prevent it from becoming too thick and sticky. You can also add some grated cheese or a sprinkle of parsley to the top of the pasta for added flavor and texture.

To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer until you're ready to reheat it.

When you're ready to reheat the frozen pasta, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally as it reheats to prevent burning or sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use sweet Italian sausage or other types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or Chorizo, to give the dish a different flavor profile.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but they may produce a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too sticky or mushy?

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, then toss it with the sauce and some reserved pasta water to create a smooth and creamy consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

What are some variations I can make to this recipe?

You can add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture, or use different types of sausage or cheese to give the dish a different flavor profile. You can also add some acidity, such as a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar, to balance out the richness of the sauce.

How do I reheat the pasta without drying it out?

To reheat the pasta, be sure to add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to prevent it from becoming too thick and sticky. You can also add some grated cheese or a sprinkle of parsley to the top of the pasta for added flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni or ziti, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.

What are some sides I can serve with this recipe?

You can serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal. Consider adding some other sides, such as roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach, to round out the meal.

The Full Recipe

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