How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet in 30 Minutes
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.
The Key to Flavor: Italian Sausage
What brings the flavor to this dish? The Italian sausage, of course. We all have our favorite brands and flavors, so don’t skimp when it comes to this recipe. If your sausage doesn’t have a lot of flavor, the dish won’t either. It’s that simple. Make sure you use the kind you love. Personally, I’m all about sausage with a good fennel kick; to me, it’s the essence of Italian sausage. I love experimenting with different types. You can even check out the video below to see us try a few different sausages—including a vegan version!
Tips and Variations
Looking to make this dish your own? Here are some simple tips and variations to take your Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet to the next level.
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Make it one-pot: Skip boiling the pasta separately. Add 2 to 2½ cups of broth to the skillet and stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender. -
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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. -
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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. -
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Switch up the sausage: Try spicy Italian, sweet, or even chicken sausage depending on what you like. -
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Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great options if you want to bulk it up a little more. -
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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. -
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Cheese it up: Stir in extra Parmesan or top with mozzarella for a melty finish. -
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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. -
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Leftovers are even better: This reheats well and makes a great lunch the next day.
Tools I Recommend
A few good tools can make cooking this skillet dinner quicker and easier. Here are some favorites to keep on hand:
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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.
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Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your choice
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- ½ - 1 tsp sugar optional
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage, breaking it into pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, sugar (if using), red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to skillet. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes more.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil or parsley if you like.
Notes
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.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you love pasta, be sure to check out my American Goulash. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-good, with loads of tomato flavor and cheese. Or try a classic Ground Beef Stroganoff that’s just as easy to make and comforting. I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and tell me: What’s your favorite type of Italian sausage?
Thanks for hanging out! Just a quick heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep things rolling around here!
Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!