This hearty sausage pasta skillet combines Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all in one pan. It’s the best high-protein meal that will take you less than 30 minutes to prepare.

There is nothing I enjoy more than a one-pan meal. And nothing quite as satisfying as that meal is pasta.

This dish brings together the best of Italian-inspired cooking. The combination of fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and fresh tomatoes creates an out-of-this-world sauce. 

And, that Italian sausage provides a rich, savory base that’s enhanced by the aromatic blend of herbs and tomatoes.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s not just delicious, but also healthy.

Nutritionally speaking, this recipe offers a well-balanced meal. It provides you with carbs from the pasta, protein from the sausage, and vegetables as a great source of fiber.

In short, this pasta is otherworldly, and I highly recommend making it, especially if you love sausage!

Ingredients and Substitutes

Penne pasta (2 cups, dry) – You can use whole-wheat pasta to add more nutrients, or a gluten-free pasta (made from lentils or chickpeas). Try using other pasta options like fusilli or rotini.

Olive oil (1 tbsp + 1 tsp, divided) – Replace with avocado oil, coconut oil, or even another neutral vegetable oil like canola.

Italian sausages (5) – Swap with chicken sausages, turkey sausages, or a plant-based sausage for a lighter (or a vegetarian approach).

Red onion, sliced (1 small) – You can use any type of onion. I’ve also tried using white and yellow onions, and it’s pretty much the same. You can also use shallots or leeks if you prefer a milder taste.

Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – You can combine dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to make a homemade version.

Crushed fennel seeds (1 tbsp) – Use anise seeds or caraway seeds for a similar flavor.

Crushed chili pepper flakes (1/2 tsp) – Replace with cayenne pepper, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also adjust the amount based on your liking. If you like spicy food, add more, but if you don’t like spicy food, you can remove it.

Garlic, minced (4 cloves) – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, garlic paste, or roasted garlic.

Tomato paste (1 tbsp) – Replace with sun-dried tomatoes or thick tomato sauce.

Tomatoes, diced (4 large) – You can also use canned tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.

Red bell pepper, sliced – Swap with yellow or green bell peppers for a different flavor profile (and to add more nutrients).

Chicken broth (1/2 cup) – Vegetable broth, beef broth, or water with seasoning can be good replacements.

Salt and black pepper, to taste

GARNISH

Parmesan cheese, grated –  You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free or vegan option.

Green onion, finely sliced (1) – Use chives or scallions if you don’t have any.

Fresh basil, chopped – Replace with fresh parsley, cilantro, or dried basil.

How to Make Sausage Pasta Skillet

Step 1. Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s cooked, remove from the heat, drain, and set it aside.

Step 2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and the sausage.

Cook the sausage until it’s golden brown, which should roughly take 5-8 minutes. If you find that the sausage is sticking to the skillet, add a splash of water.

When they are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a chopping board to let them cool down.

Step 3. If you added water, remove it from the skillet and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the sliced red onions and cook for a couple of minutes.

Step 4. Add the Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and crushed chili pepper. Give it a good stir to allow the onions to get coated with all the flavor.

Step 5. Add the minced garlic and the tomato paste. Give it another stir and sauté for a couple of minutes.

Step 6. No, add the tomatoes and bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. 

Step 7. Pour the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients and let them simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 8. When the sausage has cooled, cut it into slices that are half an inch thick. Add them back to the skillet and cover them with sauce.

Step 9. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the sausages are all cooked through.

Step 10. Add the cooked penne pasta and give it a stir to coat it with the delicious sauce. Let it heat up for 1-2 minutes.

Step 11. Remove the pasta from the heat and garnish with green onion, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

How I Would Modify This Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free option made from chickpea, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Low–Carb Meal: Swap the pasta with a low-carb option like spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles.
• Add More Veggies: Try adding other veggies to boost the nutrients and flavors of the meal. You can add zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

My Tips & Tricks

1. Cooking the Sausage: Make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet when you are browning the sausage. Good browning creates a punch of flavor and makes your sauce richer.
2. Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be able to coat the pasta without being too thick or too thin. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. And, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a couple of extra minutes.
3. Adding Cheese: I love cheese! Sometimes what I do is remove the skillet from the heat and then add the Parmesan cheese. This will allow the cheese to blend without causing it to become stringy or clumpy.

My Storage Tips

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Since it holds a long time, it also makes it a great option when you are looking for a comforting meal prep recipe.

You can also place it in a freezer-friendly bag and keep it there for up to 3 months. However, I do recommend saving it in individual portions.

When you are ready to have this delicious meal again, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. While you can use the microwave, I prefer how it turns out on the stove.

And, if you find the sauce to be too dry, try adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.

My Other Pasta Recipes

• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
• Chicken Meatballs with Orzo
• Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Meatballs Pasta Casserole