Savory One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and bold flavors, and this one pan creamy pesto pasta with sausage delivers on both fronts.

Savory Italian sausage mingles with al dente noodles, creating a rich and comforting meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

The creamy sauce coats each strand of pasta with a luxurious blend of herbs and cheese.

Fragrant basil pesto adds a vibrant punch of flavor that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup make this dish a weeknight warrior’s dream.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with a restaurant-quality meal that’s both delicious and effortless.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next quick and satisfying dinner solution.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 644 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Breakdown for One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage

• Chicken Sausage: Brings a zesty, lean protein punch with a hint of smokiness; choose pre-sliced or slice fresh for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture; opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation of the dish; select a shape that captures sauce well like rotini or penne.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that binds ingredients; look for high-quality cream for richest results.
• Water: Helps cook pasta and thin out sauce to perfect consistency.

• Pesto Sauce: Delivers vibrant green herb intensity with basil and garlic notes; choose fresh or high-quality jarred version.
• Pine Nuts: Provides delicate crunch and earthy undertones; toast carefully to enhance their rich, buttery flavor.
• Spinach (Optional): Introduces fresh, green nutrition and subtle leafy brightness; use baby spinach for tender texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds smooth, fruity undertone; select extra virgin for best taste.

Kitchen Essentials for One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage

• 12-inch skillet: Large, versatile pan for toasting nuts, cooking sausage, and preparing pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Measuring cups: Precise tool for measuring water, cream, and other liquid ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken sausage safely and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for cleanly cutting sausage into even slices.

Cooking Method for One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage

• Pine Nut Toasting

Carefully heat pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-high, gently moving them around to create a golden-brown color without burning. Once perfectly toasted, set aside.

• Sausage Sizzle

Drizzle olive oil into the pan and bring heat to a medium-high sizzle. Slide sliced chicken sausage pieces into the skillet, allowing them to develop a beautiful caramel-brown exterior.

• Pasta Magic

Pour water, cream, and pesto directly over pasta in the skillet. Crank the heat to high and let everything dance together, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Final Flourish

Pull skillet off the heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese throughout. If desired, add a handful of fresh spinach leaves, letting them gently wilt into the creamy mixture. Top with those golden toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Flavor Tips for One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage

• Replace pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for a budget-friendly and allergy-friendly alternative.
• Toss in extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the dish.
• Substitute chicken sausage with turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or swap entirely with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for varied protein options.
• Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, smooth consistency in the sauce.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of garlic powder, or drizzle hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor that complements the pesto's herbaceous profile.

Ways to Present One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add a refreshing crunch.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious pesto sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the creamy pesto and enhance the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the dish with a pop of color and add a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.

Save for Later: One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage

• Batch Prep for Busy Weeks: Cook extra portions and divide into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Keep Ingredients Separate: Store toasted pine nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Separate unused ingredients to maintain freshness and prevent soggy pasta.

Rustic Pesto Pasta with Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy pesto pasta with sausage creates a hearty Italian-inspired meal that combines rich flavors in under 30 minutes. Quick preparation and simple ingredients make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 links chicken sausage (fully cooked, sliced ¼-inch thick)
• 1 12 oz (340 g) box Barilla® Pronto™ Penne
• 3 cups (720 ml) water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps pine nuts
• 1 6.3 oz (178 g) jar Barilla® Pesto sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped, optional)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
• Additional grated parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Toast Nuts: In a dry 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, gently stir pine nuts until golden-brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Sear Sausage: Drizzle olive oil in the same skillet, sauté chicken sausage on medium-high heat until edges crisp and caramelized, roughly 5 minutes. Remove and reserve.
3. Create Sauce Base: Whisk water, heavy cream, and pesto directly in the skillet. Add pasta, ensuring complete liquid coating.
4. Cook Pasta: Elevate heat to high, simmer pasta while stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Cook 10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente and sauce thickens, creating a creamy consistency.
5. Finish Dish: Remove from heat, fold in Parmesan cheese and spinach leaves. Stir until cheese melts and spinach slightly wilts, integrating all flavors harmoniously.
6. Plate and Garnish: Sprinkle reserved toasted pine nuts and extra Parmesan over the pasta, transforming the one-pan meal into a visually stunning and delectable dish.

Notes

• Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Golden-brown color requires constant attention, preventing burning by stirring every 30 seconds over medium-high heat.
• Choose Quality Sausage: Select chicken sausage with robust flavor, ensuring caramelized edges for enhanced taste and texture.
• Watch Liquid Absorption: Monitor pasta closely during high-heat simmering to achieve perfect al dente consistency without overcooking or sticking.
• Add Final Touches Quickly: Stir Parmesan and spinach off heat to create creamy texture and prevent spinach from becoming overly wilted or losing vibrant color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 644
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 842 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg