Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time? This One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe is your answer! With a blend of smoked sausage, creamy cheeses, and vibrant veggies, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up after dinner. Get ready to savor a comforting bowl of pasta that your whole family will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
This One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a complete meal cooked in a single pot, saving time on both cooking and cleaning. Secondly, the combination of flavors—from the smoky sausage to the creamy cheeses—creates a delightful medley that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Lastly, it’s versatile; you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any weeknight dinner.
What We’re Using
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized slices
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 (10-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, undrained
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach
These ingredients come together to create a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Recommended Tools
To make your cooking experience smoother, here are some handy tools you might need:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for cooking the entire dish in one go.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the pasta and ingredients together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping your veggies and sausage.
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing your One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe.
Stepwise Method: One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavor.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften. The mushrooms add a lovely umami flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Liquid
Next, add the uncooked penne pasta, chicken stock, and undrained roasted red peppers to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses and Spinach
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. The residual heat will melt the cheese and wilt the spinach, creating a creamy, luscious sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Give the pasta a good stir to combine everything, then serve it hot. You can garnish it with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe with your loved ones!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize this dish, here are some texture-safe substitutions you can make:
- Vegetarian Sausage: For a meatless version, swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free Penne: Use gluten-free penne pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to mix and match cheeses—cheddar or gouda would work beautifully!
- Other Vegetables: You can add or substitute with bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition.
These substitutions can help you tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or texture.
Chef’s Rationale
This One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor. Cooking everything in one pot not only saves time but also allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully. The smoked sausage provides a depth of flavor that complements the creamy cheeses, while the spinach and mushrooms add nutritional value and texture. This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick yet satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Best Ways to Store
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but it happens!), here’s how to store your One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe properly:
- Refrigerator
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Storing leftovers properly ensures that you can enjoy this delicious meal again without losing its quality.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook the dish when you’re ready to eat. However, the best texture is achieved when it’s freshly made.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute it with any type of pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a more filling feast.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Adding more vegetables not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds color and flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe, you might also like these fantastic dishes:
- Creamy Parmesan Tomato Pasta Skillet
- Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
The Takeaway
This One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe is a testament to the joy of cooking—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage cut into bite-sized slices
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups penne pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 jar roasted red peppers undrained
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Next, add the uncooked penne pasta, chicken stock, and undrained roasted red peppers to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach.
- Give the pasta a good stir to combine everything, then serve it hot. Enjoy this comforting One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe with your loved ones!
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Notes
- For a meatless version, swap the smoked sausage for vegetarian sausage.
- Use gluten-free penne pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses for a different flavor!
