Here’s a detailed recipe for your One Pot Creamy Pasta that will guide you step-by-step to create this delicious, hearty dish. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, as it combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pot!
One Pot Creamy Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is a comforting one-pot meal that combines flavorful ground sausage with pasta and a rich cream cheese sauce. It’s quick to prepare and makes cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (your choice; penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 1 lb ground sausage (Italian sausage is recommended for added flavor; you can use mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 carton (about 4 cups) of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) of pasta sauce (your favorite brand; marinara or a robust sauce will work well)
- 3/4 block (6 oz) cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sazon Complete (optional, adds a nice depth of flavor)
- Fresh spinach (optional, about 2 cups; adds nutrition and color)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and set it aside. If using fresh spinach, wash and roughly chop it.
- Brown the Sausage and Onions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground sausage over medium heat.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Season the Mixture:
- Season the sausage and onion with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Sazon Complete. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook for an additional minute to enhance their flavors.
- Add Broth and Pasta Sauce:
- Pour in the carton of broth and the entire jar of pasta sauce. Stir to combine everything.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Once boiling, add the pasta directly into the pot.
- Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese:
- When the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the pot.
- Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Spinach (if using):
- If you’re adding fresh spinach, stir it into the pasta mixture and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. This adds color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the creamy pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you like, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve:
- Serve the One Pot Creamy Pasta warm, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting, hearty meal!
Tips:
- Pasta Choices: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
- Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the ground sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use vegetarian sausage for a meatless option.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Other great additions include bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them when you sauté the onions for a well-rounded meal.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Enjoy your creamy, delicious pasta meal! This dish is perfect for satisfying cravings and is sure to become a favorite in your household.