Cheesy One-Pot Turkey Sausage Pasta
This cheesy one-pot turkey sausage pasta is cheesy, saucy and the easiest weeknight pasta you will make. Browned turkey sausage, blistered cherry tomatoes, onion and garlic simmer with marinara, broth and dry pasta in one pot, then get finished with spinach and a melty blanket of Colby Jack. This one-pot sausage pasta is ready in about 35 minutes.
Love one-pot dinners? Try my One-Pan Sausage & Burrata Orzo next.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Sausage Pasta
- One pot means easy cleanup.
- Cheesy and saucy with Colby Jack.
- Lighter turkey sausage.
- Veggies built in with tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients for One-Pot Turkey Sausage Pasta
The Base
Turkey sausage, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, a small onion, garlic and tomato paste.
The Sauce and Pasta
Marinara sauce, chicken broth, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
To Finish
Fresh spinach, shredded Colby Jack cheese, fresh basil and Parmesan.
Swap note: Use gluten-free pasta and check your sausage label for gluten free. Chicken sausage works in place of turkey.
How to Make One-Pot Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pot and brown the sliced sausage.
Step 2: Blister the tomatoes
Add the tomatoes cut-side down and let them blister 2 to 3 minutes, then season.
Step 3: Add the aromatics
Stir in the onion until soft, then add the garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute.
Step 4: Simmer
Add the marinara, broth, pasta and red pepper flakes. Make sure the pasta is submerged, cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
Step 5: Add spinach and cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach. Top with Colby Jack, cover for 2 minutes to melt, then finish with basil and Parmesan.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Keep the pasta submerged so it cooks evenly.
- Stir once halfway so it does not stick.
- Add more broth if the sauce gets too thick.
- Mix cheeses like Colby Jack and mozzarella for a bigger pull.
Make It Your Own
- Chicken sausage: Swap in chicken or Italian pork sausage.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes.
- Mozzarella: Use mozzarella instead of Colby Jack.
- Kale: Use kale instead of spinach.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Slice the sausage and veggies up to 2 days ahead. Leftovers reheat well for lunches.
What to Serve With Sausage Pasta
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth.
What People Ask About One-Pot Sausage Pasta
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Any short pasta like penne or rigatoni works.
Can I use pork sausage?
Yes. Italian pork or chicken sausage works great.
Do I need to boil the pasta first?
No. It cooks right in the sauce.
How do I keep one-pot pasta from sticking?
Stir once halfway and add broth if needed.
Cheesy One-Pot Turkey Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned.
- Add cherry tomatoes cut-side down and let them blister for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in diced onion and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, pasta, and red pepper flakes. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged, adding more broth if needed.
- Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring once, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Turn off the heat and stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Finish with torn fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese.
- If you prefer spicier pasta, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Add more chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
