Ground sausage recipes for dinner are a fantastic way to turn simple meals into something extraordinary. As a versatile ingredient, ground sausage is ideal for easy sausage dinner ideas, creating quick, flavorful meals when time is short.
Many home cooks love ground sausage because it’s pre-seasoned and packed with herbs and spices, making meal preparation effortless while delivering bold flavors.
Jump to RecipeIf you’re a beginner or have a busy schedule, you’ll love using ground sausage for simple weeknight meals that are quick and delicious.
In this article, we’ll focus on one standout recipe: One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta. We’ll guide you step-by-step through making it, explain ingredient substitutions, and provide tips for success to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this flavorful family dinner is comforting and satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why Ground Sausage is a Weeknight Hero
Among ground sausage recipes for dinner, this ingredient is a true weeknight hero: easy to cook, packed with flavor, and adaptable to so many dishes. Unlike plain ground meat, sausage already has built-in seasonings like fennel, garlic, paprika, and herbs. This means you don’t need to worry about measuring out a bunch of spices—the hard work is already done for you!
Additionally, Ground sausage is budget-friendly, easy to find, and makes for a delicious base in any flavorful family dinner. With a quick cooking time, usually under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for preparing a flavorful family dinner in no time. You can use ground sausage in easy sausage dinner ideas like pasta, casseroles, soups, and rice dishes. Its ability to complement a wide variety of flavors makes it a versatile option for busy families.
Ground sausage is ideal for creating a quick sausage pasta recipe or other easy meals without any special techniques or equipment needed—just brown it in a pan, and you’re ready to add it to your favorite recipe!
One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes550
kcal30
minutesThis one-pan creamy sausage pasta combines ground sausage with tender pasta in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
8 oz penne pasta
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any type of short pasta like rigatoni or rotini.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Convenient
This recipe is a lifesaver among ground sausage recipes for dinner when you’re short on time and need a meal quickly. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, meaning you can have dinner on the table in no time. For beginners, this is a straightforward recipe with easy-to-follow steps that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.
2. Creamy and Comforting
Few ground sausage recipes for dinner are as satisfying as this rich, creamy pasta dish. The combination of the seasoned sausage with the smooth, velvety sauce makes this meal a true comfort food. It’s hearty enough to satisfy any appetite, but the creaminess keeps it light and delicious.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
This quick sausage pasta recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize with different vegetables, pasta types, and more. Whether you prefer spicy sausage or want to add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. It’s also easy to make gluten-free by swapping out the pasta, or you can reduce the calories by using a lower-fat cream or milk.
4. Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Friendly
Most ingredients in this recipe, like pasta, canned tomatoes, and broth, are common kitchen staples. Ground sausage is affordable, and you can often find it on sale. This recipe shows that you don’t need pricey ingredients to prepare a delicious, satisfying meal for your family.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Let’s explore the key ingredients of this recipe and the substitutions you can use to adapt it to your needs.
Ground Sausage
The essential part of these ground sausage recipes for dinner is the ground Italian sausage. Its pre-seasoning saves you time since it already has a blend of herbs and spices.
If you’re exploring different ground sausage recipes for dinner, try using spicy sausage for extra kick or a mild breakfast sausage for a subtle flavor. For a lighter twist, consider incorporating protein-packed ideas like our Cottage Cheese Recipes, which complement sausage beautifully in casseroles or side dishes. Ground turkey or chicken sausage works well if you prefer a leaner protein.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, smooth texture. For a lighter version, swap it with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a great alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor of the dish, adding a subtle sweetness.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan enhances the sauce with its savory, nutty flavor and thickens it. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is an excellent alternative with a sharper taste. For a more budget-friendly option, you can use grated mozzarella or even cheddar in a pinch.
Pasta
Penne is an ideal choice because it holds onto the sauce well. However, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute the regular pasta with a gluten-free option. To make this quick sausage pasta recipe low-carb, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Fully browning the sausage is essential, as caramelization deepens the flavor. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until evenly browned.
Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
After browning the sausage, add diced onions and garlic. Let the onions cook for about 3 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. This step helps build the foundation of the sauce’s savory flavors.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat as the sauce begins to form, ensuring all ingredients blend.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Without pre-cooking the pasta, add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce and deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Season
Once the pasta is cooked to tenderness, fold in freshly grated Parmesan. This will thicken the sauce and add a nice, salty flavor. To create a perfectly flavorful family dinner, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference. Don’t skip tasting—seasoning at the end is key to balancing flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch to this flavorful family dinner. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta straight from the skillet!
Expert Tips for Success
- Enhance the Flavor: When experimenting with ground sausage recipes for dinner, add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a heat boost. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh basil can also elevate the flavors.
- Avoid Overcooking: Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, check it regularly to prevent it from getting mushy. Aim for an al dente texture—firm but cooked through.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-packaged varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting properly.
- Thin Out the Sauce if Needed: If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t worry! If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it before serving. Stir gently to incorporate the extra liquid.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or use hot Italian sausage to spice things up.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in your ground sausage recipes for dinner to keep the dish low-carb.
Storage and reheating instructions:
- Storage: Like many ground sausage recipes for dinner, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat this quick sausage pasta recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. To refresh the sauce after refrigeration, add a little cream or broth during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
For a balanced meal, serve your One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta with these delicious side options:
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the sauce. For a sweeter contrast, serve a dessert like our Bisquick Shortcake Recipe, which pairs perfectly with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a complete meal experience.
Simple Green Salad
A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta. Use a mix of greens like romaine, spinach, and arugula, then top with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for crunch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and tasty addition. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until golden brown. salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pre-cooked sausage in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just make sure to slice or crumble it and add it to the dish at the same point you would add the raw sausage. You can skip the browning step, but you may want to sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil to develop the flavors.
- What alternatives can I use for heavy cream?
- You can replace it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk or almond milk can be used, although it will slightly change the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes! If needed, you can simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free version. Be sure to check the cooking times on the package, as gluten-free pasta can vary in texture and cooking time.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make this recipe vegetarian, opt for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All other ingredients can stay the same.
- Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this dish if necessary. To do so, let the pasta cool completely and then store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When reheating, add extra cream or broth to bring back the creaminess of the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Cottage Cheese Recipes for versatile high-protein meals or our Bisquick Shortcake Recipe for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Sausage and Rice Skillet
One of the easiest ground sausage recipes for dinner, this one-pan dish combines sausage with flavorful rice and vegetables. This dish is filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, hearty dinner.
Sausage and Peppers Pasta
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines sausage with bell peppers, onions, and marinara sauce, tossed together with your favorite pasta. It’s a vibrant, colorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup
For cozy simple weeknight meals, this creamy soup blends sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this dish is a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor.
Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to make this delicious One-Pan Creamy Sausage Pasta, it’s time to try it for yourself! This meal is a great option for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a quick and flavorful dinner solution. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and lots of opportunities for customization, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite in your household.
Why not give it a try tonight? Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how you personalized your creamy sausage pasta!