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A table filled with various family pasta dinner ideas ready to be served.

One-Pan Sausage & Veggie Pasta

This easy one-pan recipe combines hearty Italian sausage, an array of colorful vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it delivers a satisfying and complete dinner in a single skillet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot, depending on preference
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 pound pasta any short shape like penne or rotini
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up; drain excess fat and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, then add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced zucchini, cooking until slightly tender.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Return the browned Italian sausage to the skillet and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
  • Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level of the sausage to your preference. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end before serving. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.