10+ Sausage Pasta Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Table

Sausage pasta recipes really bring warmth and flavor to your meal. They’re simple, satisfying, and you don’t need fancy ingredients or a ton of time.

These dishes mix pasta with sausage for an easy dinner you can whip up any night. Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both quick and filling?

Sausage pasta recipes let you throw together a delicious meal fast. You get to play with different sausages and sauces, figuring out what you actually like best.

With just a few steps, you’ve got a comforting dish on the table. Pretty nice, right?

1) Creamy Italian Sausage Penne

Grab some Italian sausage and penne pasta for this one. The sausage brings a savory kick, and the creamy sauce just ties everything together.

Usually, you’ll toss in parmesan cheese, and maybe spinach or roasted red peppers if you’re feeling fancy. The sauce? Super simple—garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan.

Cook the sausage first, then add cooked penne and sauce. You’ll have dinner in about 25-30 minutes.

It’s great for nights when you want something easy but filling. Plus, you can make it in one pot, which means less cleanup. If you want a recipe, here’s a Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta and spinach; toss until spinach wilts.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

2) One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

One-pot Cajun sausage pasta is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. You cook everything—sausage, pasta, and sauce—in just one pot.

That Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick, and smoky andouille sausage gives it depth. Throw in some garlic and chicken broth, and you’re set.

This dish comes together in around 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight when you want something with a little excitement.

Ingredients

• 1 (13 oz) pack Cajun andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in pasta and Cajun seasoning.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often until pasta is cooked.
6. Lower heat, add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until sauce is creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Try this one pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta if you want to follow along.

3) Spicy Italian Sausage with Tomato Basil Sauce

Spicy Italian sausage brings a bold kick to this tomato basil sauce. The sauce mixes fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a bright, punchy flavor.

It cooks quickly, which is always a win on busy nights. If you want a creamy finish, a little cream or parmesan at the end does the trick.

Any pasta shape works here—pick your favorite. For a quick recipe, check out this One Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Basil Pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
• 3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and cream or parmesan if using.
6. Heat through for 2-3 minutes before serving.

4) Kielbasa and Garlic Cream Pasta

Kielbasa and creamy garlic sauce make a combo that just works. The smoky, savory kielbasa pairs perfectly with the rich cream.

Start by browning the kielbasa in a pan. Add minced garlic to wake everything up.

Let the cream simmer with the sausage and garlic, and you’ve got a sauce that’s way better than you’d expect from such little effort.

This recipe is a go-to for busy nights. It’s comforting, filling, and honestly, a little bit addictive.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz kielbasa, sliced
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

5) Sausage and Spinach Pasta Skillet

Sausage and spinach pasta skillet is a real weeknight hero. Brown your sausage, then toss in pasta and spinach so everything cooks together.

You only need one skillet, so there’s barely any cleanup. The spinach gives it a fresh boost, while the sausage keeps it hearty.

If you want, finish with some cheese for extra comfort. Dinner’s ready in about 30 minutes, using stuff you probably already have.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (removed from casings)
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown sausage for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Add pasta and chicken broth, making sure pasta is covered.
4. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes.
5. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

6) Parmesan Sage Sausage Pasta

Parmesan sage sausage pasta is simple but feels a little fancy. Cook the pasta, then mix it with browned sausage and a buttery sage sauce.

A splash of pasta water makes the sauce smooth and light. Finish with a generous amount of parmesan for that creamy, salty bite.

Sage brings a fresh herbal note that just works with sausage. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your mood.

This recipe is great for a cozy weeknight or when you’ve got friends over and want to look like you tried harder than you did.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and save 1/3 cup pasta water.
2. Brown sausage in a pan over medium heat until cooked through. Remove from pan.
3. Melt butter in the same pan and add sage leaves; cook until fragrant.
4. Add cooked pasta and sausage to the pan. Pour in reserved pasta water to form a sauce.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

7) Mild Italian Sausage with Fettuccine

Mild Italian sausage gives this fettuccine dish a gentle, savory flavor. Cook the sausage with garlic and onions until it’s nice and browned.

Add a creamy tomato sauce that clings to the pasta. Fettuccine is perfect here—it holds onto all that sauce.

Toss the pasta with the sausage sauce, then sprinkle on mozzarella or parmesan. It’s simple, classic, and hits the spot any night.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Add garlic and onion; sauté until soft.
4. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and cream; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Toss pasta with sauce, season with salt and pepper.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.

8) Smoky Sausage and Mushroom Pasta

Smoky sausage and mushroom pasta is one of those dishes that’s way easier than it tastes. The smoked sausage brings a bold, rich flavor.

Mushrooms add earthiness that balances the smokiness. Start by cooking sliced smoked sausage in a skillet, then add mushrooms and let them soften.

Toss in pasta, marinara, and a splash of stock. Let everything simmer so the flavors come together.

It’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup. The smoky flavor makes it feel a little special, even if you’re just cooking for yourself.

Ingredients

• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Toss in the sliced sausage and let it brown for about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they soften up.

4. Pour in the pasta, marinara sauce, stock, and all the spices.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta feels tender.

7. Give it a stir now and then so nothing sticks to the bottom.

8. Dish it up warm—dig in and enjoy.

For more details, check out the one-pot sausage and mushroom pasta recipe.

9) One-Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta

You can whip up a tasty meal fast with one-pot cheesy sausage pasta.

It’s got smoked sausage, pasta, and plenty of cheese in a creamy sauce.

Everything cooks in just one pan.

Cleanup? Pretty much a breeze.

If you’re into a little extra flavor, toss in some peppers and onions.

Maybe add a bit of spice if that’s your thing.

This dish works well for busy nights when you just want something warm and comforting.

The combination of melty cheese and savory sausage is hard to beat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 8 oz pasta (bowtie or whatever you’ve got)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix is great)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the peppers, onions, and garlic.

3. Sauté for about 3 minutes.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk.

5. Bring everything to a boil.

6. Add the pasta.

7. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes.

8. When the pasta’s tender, stir in the cheese until it melts.

9. Season with salt and pepper.

10. Serve it warm.

Try this easy, cheesy one-pot meal from Yellow Bliss Road.

10) Sausage Tomato Garlic Basil Pasta

This pasta pulls together Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, plenty of garlic, and a pile of basil. You toss everything into one pot, so there’s barely any mess to deal with after.

The sausage browns first, then you throw in the garlic and tomatoes. That basil? It waits until the end, so its flavor stays fresh and bright.

You can grab hot or sweet Italian sausage—totally up to you. The tomatoes keep things juicy, and the garlic just wakes up the whole dish.

Ingredients:

• Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
• Fresh tomatoes
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown sausage in olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and simmer until soft.
4. Add pasta and enough water or broth to cover.
5. Cook pasta until tender, stirring often.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil leaves.
8. Serve topped with grated Parmesan if desired.