Skillet pasta recipes are my go-to, especially on those what-am-I-gonna-make-for-dinner nights. You know the ones. You’ve gotta get dinner on the table, you’re not interested in fancy, but you also want something that tastes homemade and kind of impressive (well, at least better than nuked leftovers).
Maybe you’re staring at some sausage links in the fridge. Maybe you’re thinking, “Do I really need another boring pasta night?” Nope, you don’t. This skillet sausage pasta hits the spot—with one pan. Clean up less, eat more. Trust me, it’s the ultimate weeknight win.
skillet pasta recipes
Ingredient Notes
Okay, here’s the thing. Most skillet pasta recipes are pretty forgiving, so don’t sweat the small stuff. I like using smoked sausage, like kielbasa, because it’s easy and super flavorful. Italian sausage, spicy or mild, is killer too. Pick your favorite.
You’ll want a short pasta that’ll cook evenly in the sauce, nothing fancy. Penne, rotini, or even bow ties work. Grab some good old canned tomatoes, maybe the diced kind with basil if you’re feeling wild.
I nearly always throw in onion and garlic (is it even dinner without those?). A handful of spinach or bell pepper never hurt anybody. Cheese? Yes please. Parmesan or mozzarella—both if you’re feeling fancy. Oh, and don’t forget chicken broth. That’s what brings it all together.
A little anecdote here: I once forgot the broth and had to scrape stuck pasta out of my “nonstick” skillet. My family laughed for days. Lesson learned, always pour in enough liquid.
skillet pasta recipes
How to Make Skillet Sausage Pasta
It goes like this: Heat your pan—something with tallish sides saves your backsplash. Toss in sausage coins and get ‘em brown, nothing too fussy, just color. Add onion and garlic, feel like a pro. When they’re soft, pour in the canned tomatoes and that all-important broth. Dump the uncooked pasta right into the bubble and let it do its magic. No need to pre-boil. Stir occasionally—don’t walk away just yet.
Here’s the wild part—when the pasta’s cooked, I just mix in a handful of spinach (it wilts instantly) and then hit everything with cheese. I keep it simple, but go nuts if you want more. Honestly, the hardest part? Not eating straight from the skillet before anybody else gets to the table.
“I can’t believe how easy this skillet sausage pasta is. My kids ask for seconds every time, which never happens. Less cleanup, more flavor. Total win!” — Jenna S.
skillet pasta recipes
Serving Suggestions
You’ve got your skillet sausage pasta bubbling, cheese melting, and you’re feeling like a kitchen champion. Now, what goes with it? Here are a few no-nonsense side ideas:
- A crusty piece of garlic bread for sauce scooping. (My favorite part, honestly.)
- Quick side salad—some lettuce, tomato, maybe a splash of Italian dressing.
- Roasted veggies, if you want more green on the plate.
- Or, dare I say, straight out of the pan with nothing else. Who’s judging?
Let it sit a minute before serving, pasta keeps cooking even off heat. If you somehow have leftovers (ha), a lunchtime hero waits for you tomorrow.
skillet pasta recipes
More Easy One Pot Pasta Recipes
Listen, now that you’ve nailed these skillet pasta recipes, you might wanna try more one pot wonders. I’ve tinkered with chicken Alfredo versions, taco pasta (yes, with tortilla chips on top), and even a vegetarian one with mushrooms and peas. The best part? The formula stays the same—sauté, simmer with broth and pasta, add cheese, eat.
People always say one pot meals changed their life and, yeah, I kind of agree. Life’s too short for a mountain of dirty dishes. Besides, pasta always tastes better made with less stress.
skillet pasta recipes
| Skillet pasta recipes | Easy prep | Fewer dishes |
| Quick weeknight meal | One pot dinner | Customizable flavors |
Reader Interactions
So, what’s your take? Did your kids love it or push the bowl away with spaghetti sauce fingers? What meat did you grab—spicy or mild? Tell me if you messed around with veggies, or even made it vegetarian. Don’t hold back. Every kitchen’s got its own spin, and I wanna hear yours.
Seriously, drop your questions, weird substitutions, everything in the comments. If your skillet sausage pasta turns out wild or wacky, I’m all in for the story.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration or wanna see a slightly different version, take a peek at this Skillet Sausage Pasta from Valerie’s Kitchen. She’s got great tips and down-to-earth methods that just work. Try it your way, tweak as you go, and don’t overthink it. That’s the beauty of skillet pasta recipes—make ‘em your own, every single time.
skillet pasta recipes
Print
Skillet Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple, one-pan skillet pasta recipe featuring smoky sausage, fresh veggies, and cheese for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or bow ties)
- 2 smoked sausage links, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced sausage. Cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and absorbed most of the liquid.
- Mix in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite sausage or add other vegetables like bell peppers. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg