One Bite of This Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet, and You'll Be Hooked!

Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet: Simple, Tasty, and Affordable

Italian food is a favorite for so many, and this Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet is no different. Trust me, you’ll be hooked! It’s so easy to make and absolutely loaded with flavor, plus most of the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. To make things even better, it’s budget-friendly and can be made for under $10 to feed your whole family. With just one pot and a quick cooking time, this is the perfect dish for busy nights when you want something delicious without all the fuss. Let’s get started!

For the Best Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet

It’s all about choosing ingredients that bring out the most flavor without making things complicated.

Sausage: The Star of the Skillet

Italian sausage is the real flavor booster here. Mild or spicy, just use one you like the taste of. I’ve tried a bunch over the years (strictly for research, of course, lol), and they all have their own personality. In my video, I removed the casing and browned it like ground meat, which is quick and easy. But if I have the time, I like to cook the sausage links whole and slice them after. That gives you nice big bites of sausage throughout. You can also cook the sausage ahead of time and freeze it. It holds up great for a couple of months, and it cuts way down on prep when you're ready to cook. One more tip—don’t drain off all the grease. That little bit of oil adds so much flavor to the pasta.

Pick Your Pasta

Use whatever short pasta you have on hand. I usually reach for penne or rigatoni, but honestly, I just use whatever sounds good in the moment. You can boil it separately and stir it in at the end, or do a one-pot version and let it cook right in the skillet with the sauce. The one-pot method saves time and dishes. The other way gives you more control over how soft or firm the pasta turns out. Either works just fine. If you want to switch things up, you can try wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, or even veggie pasta.

The Sauce and the Veggies

I went with fire-roasted tomatoes for this one because I like the deeper flavor. Crushed tomatoes work too, or even fresh ones if that's what you’ve got. Just make sure to keep the juice from the can. It helps pull everything together. I add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken it up and give the sauce that stick-to-the-pasta texture. For the veggies, red bell peppers are my go-to because they’re milder and a little sweet. But any color works. If you like your peppers soft, cook them a little longer. I like mine with a bit of bite, so I add them later in the cooking process. I also use chopped garlic instead of minced because I like a stronger garlic flavor. And just a heads up, this isn’t a super saucy dish. It’s got just enough sauce to coat the pasta and bring everything together.

Watch My Family and I test Italian Sausages....

We had a little fun with this one—check out the video of my family and me taste-testing a bunch of Italian sausages to see which one we liked best.

Tools I Recommend

A few good tools can make cooking this skillet dinner quicker and easier. Here are some favorites to keep on hand:

• Large Skillet or Saute Pan
  A 12-inch skillet with higher sides helps everything cook evenly and keeps the sauce and pasta from spilling over.

• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while being gentle on your cookware.

• Microplane or Hand Grater
  Grating fresh Parmesan takes just seconds and adds a nice finish to the dish.

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
  A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife make prepping ingredients faster and safer.

• Plastic or Stainless Colander or Strainer
  Useful for draining pasta or rinsing vegetables without a mess.

Note: Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you, and it helps support more recipes and content here.

Tips and Variations

• Make it one-pot: Skip boiling the pasta separately. Just add 2 to 2½ cups of broth to the skillet and stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender.

• Prep ahead: Brown the sausage ahead of time and freeze it in portions. It keeps well for 2 to 3 months and makes this a super quick meal.

• Add fennel seed: If your sausage doesn’t have it, add a pinch yourself. It brings that classic Italian sausage flavor and smells amazing while it cooks.

• Switch up the sausage: Try spicy Italian, sweet, or even chicken sausage depending on what you like.

• Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great options if you want to bulk it up a little more.

• Try different tomatoes: Fire-roasted add a smoky depth, but crushed or plain diced work just as well. Even fresh tomatoes are fine if that’s what you have.

• Cheese it up: Stir in extra Parmesan or top with mozzarella for a melty finish.

• Keep it mild or turn up the heat: Use red pepper flakes to add a kick, or leave them out if you want it more kid-friendly.

• Leftovers are even better: This reheats well and makes a great lunch the next day.

A Quick, Flavorful, and Adaptable Meal!

This Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet checks all the boxes. It’s quick, hearty, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food but comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. Once you’ve made it, you’ll probably start thinking of all the ways to make it your own. Whether you toss in a few extra veggies, switch up the sausage, or play around with the cheese, it’s easy to make it fit your style. I usually top mine with freshly grated Parmesan, but a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan is always a win. And if you want a side, sautéed squash, steamed broccoli, or some warm garlic bread will finish the meal off nicely. Want some bread to slather with garlic butter? Try my easy French bread recipe.