There are meals that comfort you, meals that come together in a snap, and meals that make you feel like you’re sitting in a sun-dappled Italian trattoria—even on a busy weeknight. Creamy Tomato, Basil, and Sausage Pasta manages to be all three. With a silky tomato sauce, rich Italian sausage, ribbons of fresh basil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or a mile-long ingredient list to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
The Story Behind the Dish
Italian cuisine has a time-honored tradition of transforming simple, everyday ingredients into dishes with rich, satisfying flavors. This pasta recipe is a prime example. Using just one pot, it delivers layers of flavor, from the spicy, savory sausage to the sweet tang of tomatoes and the unmistakable fragrance of fresh basil. Creamy but not heavy, filling but not fussy, it’s a modern twist on a classic comfort food that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
This recipe was born from the need for something hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing that didn’t leave a pile of pots and pans in the sink. After a long day, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a home-cooked meal that’s both satisfying and effortless to clean up.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato, Basil, and Sausage Pasta
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, from start to finish.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pot—pasta, sauce, sausage, and all.
- Balanced Flavors: The sausage adds savory depth, tomatoes bring sweetness, basil provides freshness, and the cream makes the sauce luscious.
- Versatile: Use any short pasta you like and adjust the heat or herbs to your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz (340g) short pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (with casings removed), breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned and just cooked through.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
4. Add Pasta and Seasonings
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot along with the salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together to make sure the pasta is evenly distributed and covered with sauce.
5. Simmer Until Al Dente
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
6. Finish with Cream and Cheese
Remove the pot from heat before adding the heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce turns a gorgeous, rich pink. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Add Fresh Basil
Fold in the chopped fresh basil just before serving, saving a little extra for garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Dish the pasta into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of more Parmesan and basil for color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, aromatic magic of this one-pot wonder!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on it; you want it perfectly al dente as it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Quality Matters: Use the best canned tomatoes you can find—they make a big difference in flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Always remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cream to prevent curdling.
- Melt Cheese Evenly: Add Parmesan gradually and stir right away for a smooth sauce.
- Save Some Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
No, milk lacks the fat content to create the same richness and can curdle in the acidic tomato sauce. Stick with heavy cream for the best results.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, but to mimic that signature sausage flavor, add ½ teaspoon fennel seeds and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the meat as it cooks.
Do I have to use fresh basil?
Fresh basil is key for bright, classic flavor. If you don’t have any, 3 tablespoons of pesto stirred in at the end makes a good substitute. Dried basil won’t provide the same effect.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a hearty meatless option.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers during the last five minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Change the Pasta: Any short shape works—try rotini, cavatappi, or shells for a fun twist.
- Extra Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a bold kick.
- Make It a Bake: Transfer the finished pasta to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
- Freezing is not recommended, as cream sauces may separate when thawed.
- Add fresh basil right before serving reheated leftovers for the brightest flavor.
- Extra Parmesan always helps refresh the taste when serving leftovers.
Why This Pasta Will Become a Staple in Your Kitchen
With its combination of silky tomato sauce, juicy sausage, fresh basil, and creamy finish, this dish offers restaurant-quality comfort food with weeknight simplicity. It’s endlessly adaptable, ready in just about half an hour, and requires only one pot from start to finish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a big bowl of pasta, Creamy Tomato, Basil, and Sausage Pasta is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Try it tonight and bring a little Italian-inspired comfort to your table—no passport required!