One Pot Pasta with Sausage Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
882 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
One Pot Pasta with Sausage Meatballs
Description
One Pot Pasta with Sausage Meatballs starts by browning chunks of sausage to develop a browned exterior. Aromatic vegetables such as onion, garlic, carrot, and celery are sautéed in the rendered fat, followed by tomato paste and crushed tomatoes which build a rich sauce base. The addition of chicken broth and water creates a simmering cooking liquid that also cooks penne pasta and poaches the sausage pieces evenly.
The dish is seasoned with bay leaf, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and requires regular stirring while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Just before serving, the bay leaf is removed and cheese is stirred in to melt into a creamy topping. Fresh parsley can be added for brightness.
This meal provides an all-in-one option that simplifies preparation and cleanup while delivering a hearty, savory dinner. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes emphasize cutting sausage into small pieces using kitchen shears for quick cooking and advise grating cheese freshly for better melting. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently to preserve flavors and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef sausage cut into 3/4-inch (18-mm) pieces, or pork sausage, good-quality thin
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot peeled and finely diced
- 1 medium celery finely diced, stalk
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon rosemary chopped, fresh
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- One (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth store-bought or homemade, low-sodium
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 10 ounces penne or ziti, or rigatoni
- 1 1/2 cups cheese such as Colby, Jack, or mozzarella, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian parsley optional, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook, stirring regularly, until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the saucepan, then return it to the stove. Stir in the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, bay leaf, and rosemary, and cook until the onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and water, and season with the salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta and meatballs and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer, then cover and cook, stirring regularly, until the pasta is al dente, 18 to 20 minutes.☞ TESTER TIP: It's really important to stir the pasta every few minutes, or it may stick to the bottom of your pan.
- Remove the lid, discard the bay leaf, and stir the pasta vigorously for 10 seconds. It will still be quite saucy at this point.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the pasta. Cover and let it rest until the cheese melts, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use kitchen shears to cut sausages into bite-sized meatballs for faster, even cooking.
- Grate cheese yourself instead of pre-shredded varieties to ensure better melting and creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 882 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 882kcal | 44% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 2235mg | 93% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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