Perfect Sausage Pasta Skillet: An Easy, Comforting Meal

Okay, coffee in hand, let’s chat about one of my sanity-saving meals: Sausage Pasta Skillet! Seriously, mamas, this dish has saved me from the dreaded 5 PM panic more times than I can count. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, the whole family actually eats it.

I remember the first time I made this Sausage Pasta Skillet. It was a Tuesday (because isn’t every Tuesday a chaotic mess?), the kids were fighting over who got to use the blue crayon, and I had exactly zero ideas for dinner. I stumbled upon a recipe online, tweaked it to fit what I had in the fridge, and prayed for the best.

The surprise? Everyone loved it! My super picky eater even asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this Sausage Pasta Skillet was going to be a regular in our rotation.

It’s not fancy, it’s not gourmet, but it is real life. It’s about getting a tasty meal on the table without losing your mind in the process. If you’re tired of the dinner struggle, then grab your skillet and let’s get cooking! You might be surprised how much this dish simplifies your week. Fellow kitchen warriors, are you ready to add this gem to your mealtime arsenal?

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this Sausage Pasta Skillet is that it’s super flexible. Use what you have, swap things out – no stress allowed! To make this dish even easier, consider making a big batch of crockpot cinnamon applesauce for dessert while you’re at it!

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your call!)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Trust me, this Sausage Pasta Skillet ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Mom-Tested Ingredient Swaps

• No Italian sausage? No worries! I’ve used ground beef or even turkey sausage in a pinch. Still delicious!
• Fresh garlic is always great, but garlic powder works just fine when you’re short on time.
• You can grab the sausage and canned tomatoes at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. Sanity saved!

Budget-Friendly Tip

This Sausage Pasta Skillet doesn’t have to break the bank. Use store-brand ingredients and buy sausage in bulk when it’s on sale.

Prep Shortcuts

Chop the onion and garlic while the sausage is browning to save time. Leftover sausage from breakfast? Throw it in! Every little bit helps.

Storage Wisdom

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. They’re even better the next day! My family loves when I add extra cheese on top. It makes everything better, right? Here’s a Sausage Pasta Skillet trick that saved my sanity: keep a bag of pre-shredded cheese in the fridge specifically for this dish!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, here comes the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Sausage Pasta Skillet on the table in no time. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my pretzel crusted chicken too!

1. In a large skillet (I love my cast iron!), brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese. Let it melt for a few minutes before serving. Your Sausage Pasta Skillet should smell amazing by now!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Sausage Pasta Skillet usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a true weeknight winner! Here’s where I used to mess up my Sausage Pasta Skillet – I wouldn’t stir it enough, and the pasta would stick to the bottom. Don’t make my mistake!

While your Sausage Pasta Skillet is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Don’t panic if your Sausage Pasta Skillet looks a little soupy at first. The pasta will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve got a delicious Sausage Pasta Skillet ready to go, let’s talk serving suggestions. This is where you can really make it your own and cater to your family’s preferences. One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is to different tastes!

The kids devour this Sausage Pasta Skillet when I serve it with a side of garlic bread. I mean, who doesn’t love garlic bread? A simple side salad also works great for adding some greens to the meal.

This Sausage Pasta Skillet is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. I’ve also made it for casual get-togethers with friends, and it’s always a hit.

For a pretty presentation (because sometimes we need a little something extra!), sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

Leftovers? No problem! This Sausage Pasta Skillet is fantastic the next day for lunch. I sometimes pack it in the kids’ lunchboxes, and they always come home with empty containers.

In the fall, I like to add a can of pumpkin puree to the sauce for a seasonal twist. It sounds weird, but trust me, it’s delicious! This Sausage Pasta Skillet reminds me of another family favorite, my pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls.

My friend Sarah raved about this simple and easy Sausage Pasta Skillet when I made it for her family last month. She said it was the perfect comfort food after a long day.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this Sausage Pasta Skillet, so let’s tackle them!

Can my picky eater handle this Sausage Pasta Skillet?

Absolutely! The mild flavor of the sausage and the familiar pasta shape usually make it a hit with picky eaters. You can also sneak in some finely chopped veggies like zucchini or carrots.

What if I burn my Sausage Pasta Skillet? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

We’ve all been there! If you burn the bottom, carefully transfer the unburned portion to a new pot. You might lose some of the sauce, but it’s better than serving a smoky mess. A similar but equally delicious option would be One-Skillet Italian Sausage Pasta | Hunt’s.

Can I make this Sausage Pasta Skillet ahead for meal prep?

Yes! You can assemble the Sausage Pasta Skillet up to the point of adding the pasta. Store it in the fridge, and then add the pasta and cook as directed when you’re ready to eat.

What kind of sausage works best?

I prefer Italian sausage, but you can use any kind you like. Chicken sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage all work well.

Can I add vegetables to this Sausage Pasta Skillet?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini are all great additions. Add them when you sauté the onion and garlic.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just be sure to season well with salt and pepper.

My sauce is too thick/thin. What do I do?

If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. One of the many things you can modify with this delicious Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe is the thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Pasta Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of survival in the beautiful chaos of family life. It represents those nights when you’re tired, stressed, and just need a quick and easy win. Making this particular variation of Sausage Pasta Skillet is a real family favorite!

This Sausage Pasta Skillet is special to my family because it’s a meal we can all agree on. Plus, it brings back memories of those early days of motherhood when I was just trying to figure things out. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my blog!

Here are My Sausage Pasta Skillet Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop veggies on the weekend: This saves so much time during the week.
• Use frozen garlic: It’s a game-changer!
• Double the recipe: Freeze half for a future meal.

Here are a few family-tested variations:

• Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy: Use a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheese.
• Veggie-packed: Add a variety of colorful vegetables.

My son loves the cheesy version, while my daughter prefers the spicy one. And me? I love them all! If your family likes this one-pan Sausage Pasta Skillet, another great pasta dish is Sausage Pasta Skillet – Recipe Index.

I hope you give this Sausage Pasta Skillet a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. This is a recipe that works in the same vein as my pretzel crusted chicken, in that it’s easy to modify to fit your tastes.

Remember, cooking for your family doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done with love. You’ve got this, mama! And don’t forget about Skillet Sausage Pasta (One Pot) | Valerie’s Kitchen, another option for a quick meal.

So, go forth, kitchen warrior, and conquer that skillet! This Sausage Pasta Skillet is waiting to become your new weeknight savior!

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