The Ultimate One-Pot Sausage Spaghetti: A Flavorful & Fuss-Free Weeknight Dinner
Jump to Recipe
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Life can get incredibly hectic, and the last thing anyone wants after a long day is a complicated cooking process with a mountain of dishes. This is where the magic of truly one-pot recipes shines, especially our celebrated One-Pot Spaghetti with Sausage. This isn’t just another quick meal; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a delicious, hearty, and satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, all within a single pot. Forget the endless scrubbing and multiple pans; prepare to enjoy a comforting pasta dish that the entire family will adore.
Many recipes claim to be “one-pot” but slyly suggest cooking the pasta separately. We’ve all been there, wondering, “If I have to boil pasta in another pot, how is that truly ‘one-pot’?” This recipe, however, lives up to its name. You won’t need an extra pot for boiling spaghetti. Every single ingredient, from the savory Italian sausage to the al dente pasta, cooks together in one large pot, infusing every strand with rich flavor and making cleanup an absolute breeze. This genuinely simple approach to cooking pasta ensures maximum flavor with minimum fuss, transforming your weeknight dinners into an effortless culinary experience.
Why Choose This One-Pot Spaghetti with Sausage?
Beyond the undeniable convenience, this one-pot spaghetti offers several compelling reasons to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Unbeatable Flavor: When pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth, it absorbs all those wonderful flavors, resulting in a depth and richness you simply can’t achieve when boiling pasta separately. The starches released from the pasta also help to naturally thicken the sauce, creating a wonderfully cohesive and indulgent dish.
- Time-Saving: From start to finish, this meal is ready in around 35 minutes, with only about 5 minutes of active prep. This makes it ideal for evenings when you’re short on time but still want a homemade, hearty meal.
- Minimal Cleanup: The “one-pot” promise means less washing up after dinner, which is a huge win on any busy day. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening.
- Family-Friendly: This classic combination of sausage, tomato sauce, and spaghetti is a universal crowd-pleaser. It’s comforting, satisfying, and easy enough to customize to suit various tastes.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients, this recipe is kind to your wallet without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Essential Ingredients for One-Pot Spaghetti with Sausage:
Gathering the right components is the first step to creating this incredibly simple yet flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich taste profile and ensuring the perfect texture for your pasta dish.
- Protein: For an incredible depth of flavor that truly elevates this dish, we highly recommend using Italian sausage. Both mild and spicy varieties work wonderfully, allowing you to tailor the heat level to your preference. Its seasoned nature contributes significantly to the overall taste of the sauce.
- Aromatics: You’ll need one white or yellow onion, diced, to build a foundational flavor base. For seasoning, either fresh minced garlic or a jar of pre-minced garlic will provide that essential pungent, aromatic kick. These two ingredients are sautéed together to release their sweet and savory notes.
- Liquid Base: The secret to truly one-pot pasta is having enough liquid for the spaghetti to cook in. We use a combination of water and vegetable, beef, or chicken broth. Using broth instead of just water adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the final sauce, making it much richer and more complex.
- Sauce: The heart of any spaghetti dish is its sauce. You can opt for your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or meat sauce in a jar for ultimate convenience, or, if you have some on hand, a homemade sauce will also work beautifully. Choose a good quality sauce that you love, as its flavor will be prominent.
- Pasta: Regular spaghetti noodles are ideal for this recipe. Breaking them in half before adding them to the pot ensures they fit easily and cook evenly within the sauce. This also makes them easier to stir and serve.
- Cheese: No spaghetti dish is complete without a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese. Stirring some into the dish at the end and sprinkling more on top adds a salty, umami-rich finish and a lovely creamy texture.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This One-Pot Spaghetti with Sausage:
Creating this easy one-pot meal is straightforward. Follow these simple instructions for a delicious outcome:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion. Begin by adding your Italian sausage and diced onion to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Use a spoon or a meat chopper to break up the sausage into small, even pieces as it cooks. Sauté over medium-high heat until the sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked through, and the onions are softened and translucent. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the dish from becoming overly oily. If there’s a lot, a silicone clip-on strainer can be incredibly handy here.
Step 2: Deglaze and Add Liquids. Pour the broth into the pot with the cooked sausage and onions. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (fond) that have accumulated. These bits are packed with flavor and will dissolve into the broth, adding incredible depth to your sauce. Next, stir in the marinara sauce, water, and the spaghetti noodles (broken in half). Ensure the spaghetti is mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, gently push the noodles down into the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 18-22 minutes. It’s important to stir the spaghetti occasionally during this cooking time (every 5-7 minutes) to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure they cook evenly. Continue simmering until the spaghetti is tender (al dente) and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a rich, thick sauce. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stove and pot.
Step 4: Finish and Serve. Once the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and fully incorporates into the sauce, adding a wonderful creaminess and savory tang. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding salt or pepper to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with a little extra Parmesan and perhaps some fresh herbs. This hearty and flavorful one-pot meal is perfect on its own or with your favorite side dishes!
How to Store One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner:
One of the many benefits of this convenient meal is how well it keeps for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. For optimal freshness and flavor, transfer any cooled leftover spaghetti and sauce into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips and Tricks for the Best One-Pot Spaghetti:
Achieving perfect one-pot spaghetti is simple with a few helpful hints and the right tools. These suggestions will ensure your dish is consistently delicious and easy to prepare.
Great tools to use when making this one-pot spaghetti recipe:
- Meat Chopper: I highly recommend using a meat chopper when browning the ground sausage. Its unique design allows you to easily break up the meat into fine crumbles quickly and efficiently, ensuring even cooking and a good texture throughout your dish.
- Silicone Clip-On Strainer: If your sausage releases a lot of grease, this silicone clip-on strainer is a lifesaver. It attaches securely to the side of your pot, allowing you to tilt and drain the excess fat without transferring the meat, saving you time and mess. I use mine all the time!
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A spacious pot is key for one-pot pasta. Ensure you have a pot with high sides and a capacity of at least 5-6 quarts to comfortably hold all ingredients and allow the pasta to cook evenly without overflowing.
Meat to use for this one-pot meal:
While Italian sausage is our top recommendation for its fantastic flavor contribution, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to other ground meats. The key is to brown it well to build a solid flavor foundation for your tomato sauce.
- Ground Italian Sausage: This is the star for a reason! Its rich seasoning (often with fennel, garlic, and herbs) infuses the entire dish with a robust, authentic Italian taste. You can choose mild for a gentler flavor or hot for a spicy kick.
- Ground Chicken: A leaner alternative, ground chicken creates a lighter sauce. You might want to add extra Italian seasoning, a pinch of fennel seeds, or a bit more garlic to boost the flavor profile if using this option.
- Ground Turkey: Another lean option, ground turkey also works well. Similar to ground chicken, consider enhancing its flavor with additional herbs and spices to ensure the sauce isn’t bland.
- Lean Ground Beef: For a more traditional spaghetti and meat sauce flavor, lean ground beef is an excellent choice. It provides a familiar, hearty taste that many families love. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
How to serve this easy spaghetti recipe:
Once your one-pot spaghetti is perfectly cooked and plated, a few finishing touches can make it even more appealing and flavorful. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty contrast. For a burst of freshness and color, scatter some chopped fresh basil or fresh parsley over the top. If you enjoy a little heat, a shake or two of red pepper flakes will add a delightful spice to the dish. These simple garnishes truly elevate the experience.
What to Serve with One Pot Spaghetti
While this One-Pot Sausage Spaghetti is incredibly filling and comforting on its own, adding a few side dishes can round out the meal beautifully. Consider pairing it with a light, crisp side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Steamed green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy, vibrant counterpoint. And for a truly indulgent experience, nothing beats a warm, crusty piece of garlic bread or our delightful Garlic Pull Apart Rolls to soak up every last drop of that savory sauce. You could also try my favorite Side Salad for a fresh touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can experiment with other shapes like penne, rotini, or even broken fettuccine. Just ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta and adjust cooking times as needed until the pasta is al dente.
- How can I make this vegetarian? Easily! Omit the sausage and instead sauté extra onions and garlic, perhaps with some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers, to build a flavorful base. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
- Why did my pasta stick to the bottom? This usually happens if the heat is too high or if you haven’t stirred occasionally. Ensure you reduce the heat to a gentle simmer once it boils, and stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- My sauce is too thick/thin. What can I do? If your sauce is too thick, stir in a splash more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, or stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken it.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Heartier vegetables like bell peppers can be added with the onions, while softer greens like spinach should be stirred in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
More One-Pot Pasta Recipes to Explore:
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of one-pot cooking, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful pasta recipes that follow the same fuss-free philosophy:
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Sausage and Tomato Gnocchi
- Sweet Potato Cheese Tortellini
One Pot Spaghetti with Sausage
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 ¾ cup vegetable broth , or chicken broth
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup water
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- To a large pot, add the sausage and onion. Break the sausage up and cook until browned. Pour out excess grease.
- Add in the broth and scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan. Add in the marinara sauce, water, and spaghetti.
- Let simmer, covered, for 18-22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan and serve. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quick Links for Making Dinner Easy:
In addition to this fantastic one-pot spaghetti, here are some resources to help you simplify your meal planning and cooking process:
- Family meal plans: Discover structured plans to take the guesswork out of weeknight dinners.
- Tools for the kitchen and more: Explore our curated list of essential kitchen gadgets and helpful items that streamline cooking.
- The best cookbook for family dinner recipes: Find more beloved, easy-to-follow recipes for your family.
- FREE budget meal plan: Get a complimentary meal plan designed to help you eat well without breaking the bank.
- Cooking videos to watch: Visual learners can follow along with step-by-step video tutorials for various recipes.
This One-Pot Sausage Spaghetti is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple and enjoyable home cooking can be, even on the busiest of days. Its incredible flavor, minimal cleanup, and quick preparation make it an indispensable addition to any family’s recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to give this ultimate weeknight dinner a try!
If you give these recipes a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked the recipes!