One-Pan Creamy Pasta Risotto with Italian Sausage & Parmesan: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal
Welcome to the ultimate weeknight dinner solution: a incredibly creamy pasta recipe cooked risotto-style, all in one pan! This innovative dish, lovingly dubbed “Pasta Risotto,” perfectly marries the comforting richness of traditional Italian risotto with the beloved familiarity of pasta. It’s loaded with succulent Italian sausage, savory Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed with perfectly tender penne for a meal that’s both effortless to prepare and deeply satisfying. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this quick, family-favorite recipe!
Imagine your favorite easy creamy penne with sausage meeting the luxurious texture of homemade risotto – that’s exactly what you get with this ingenious one-pan creation. It’s a dish that promises maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
- Why This Pasta Risotto Recipe Works
- Essential Ingredients for Pasta Risotto
- How to Make One-Pan Pasta Risotto
- Tips and Creative Variations
- Serving Suggestions for Your Pasta Risotto
- Storing and Reheating Leftover Pasta Risotto
- More Easy One-Pan Pasta Recipes
- Pasta Risotto Recipe Card
Today’s pasta risotto bears a striking resemblance to my popular sausage pasta skillet, another beloved dinner that conveniently cooks all in a single pan. However, while that recipe relies on milk to achieve its luscious sauce, this risotto-style sausage penne achieves its rich and creamy texture through a different, yet equally effective, method. You won’t find any milk, butter, or heavy cream here, just a touch of high-quality Parmesan cheese. The real magic behind its incredible creaminess comes from the starches naturally released by the pasta as it simmers and absorbs the broth, much like the process used for traditional Arborio rice in classic risotto recipes. This technique creates an incredibly smooth, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta, delivering a truly luxurious eating experience.
Why This Pasta Risotto Recipe Works
This Pasta Risotto isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary revelation that simplifies sophisticated flavors and techniques. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your home:
- Unbelievably Rich and Creamy: The secret to its irresistible texture lies in the risotto-style cooking method. You’ll gradually ladle warm broth into a skillet containing toasted penne pasta. As the pasta slowly absorbs the liquid, it releases its natural starches, which then emulsify with the broth to form a remarkably rich, thick, and velvety sauce. This process delivers an exquisite creaminess that rivals dishes made with heavy cream, yet it achieves this magic through a lighter, more wholesome approach.
- Effortless One-Pan Method: Forget about multiple pots and pans! Even if you’ve never attempted a traditional risotto, this pasta version is incredibly straightforward and forgiving. Everything — from browning the sausage to toasting the pasta and simmering it to perfection — happens in a single skillet. This not only concentrates all the savory flavors into one harmonious dish but also dramatically reduces cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Infinitely Adaptable: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Its flexible nature allows you to customize it in countless ways to suit your family’s preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you want to incorporate more vegetables, opt for a different protein, or make it vegetarian, the core method remains the same, providing a versatile base for endless delicious variations. Just follow the simple steps outlined below, and let your imagination guide you!
Essential Ingredients for Pasta Risotto
This pasta risotto requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, making it an excellent choice for everyday dinners. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s distinct flavor and texture. I’ve included my detailed notes here, and you’ll find the complete, printable ingredients list with precise amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Broth: I typically prepare this pasta risotto with low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness and allow other flavors to shine. However, you can easily substitute it with vegetable stock or broth for a vegetarian option, or even beef broth for a richer, deeper flavor profile. Ensure your broth is warm before adding to the pasta for optimal cooking.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the aromatics and toasting the pasta, adding a foundational layer of flavor. Any neutral cooking oil can be used, but olive oil imparts a characteristic Mediterranean essence.
- Penne Pasta: While penne is my go-to for its sturdy shape and ability to hold sauce, virtually any short-cut pasta will work beautifully here. Excellent alternatives include fusilli, rigatoni, orecchiette, or bow-tie pasta. If you’re looking to make the dish resemble traditional risotto even more closely in appearance, consider using smaller pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.
- Onion: I prefer a sweet variety, such as Vidalia or shallots, for their mild sweetness that balances the savory sausage. Finely chop the onion before you begin cooking to ensure it cooks down evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
- Italian Sausage: The star protein of this dish! You have the flexibility to choose between mild, sweet Italian sausage for a classic flavor, or spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of a kick. If Italian sausage isn’t available or you prefer a different meat, you can easily substitute it with ground pork, beef, chicken, or turkey. When using a substitute, I highly recommend adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper during cooking to infuse the meat with that quintessential Italian herb flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese is non-negotiable for the best flavor and melt. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess and taste. Grating it yourself ensures a superior, nutty, and salty finish.
- Oregano: Freshly chopped oregano leaves are used for garnish, providing a bright, aromatic counterpoint to the rich pasta. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or sage, depending on your preference.
How to Make One-Pan Pasta Risotto
The first time I introduced my husband to this risotto-style pasta, he remarked on what an unusual way it was to cook pasta. And to that, I wholeheartedly agree – strange, but incredibly effective! Cooking pasta like risotto is truly the secret to achieving an intensely creamy sauce and maximum flavor, all concentrated in one pan. Here’s how to master this unique method. For detailed, printable instructions, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card.
- Heat the Chicken Broth: Begin by warming your chicken broth in a separate pot over medium heat. You want it to be steaming hot, but not vigorously boiling. Keeping the broth warm ensures that when you add it to the pasta, it doesn’t drop the temperature of the skillet, allowing the pasta to cook continuously and absorb the liquid more efficiently.
- Cook the Sausage and Onions: While the broth warms, heat a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage and finely chopped onions. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Cook until the sausage is fully cooked through and the onions are softened and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage and onions to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet for the next step.
- Toast the Pasta: This is a crucial step for flavor development, just as you would toast Arborio rice for traditional risotto. Add the dry penne pasta directly to the same skillet, tossing it with any remaining fat from the sausage or a small amount of fresh olive oil. Toast the pasta lightly for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the edges of the penne turning a light golden brown, and you might even catch a slightly nutty aroma. This toasting helps to prevent stickiness and enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Gradually Add the Broth: Now for the “risotto-style” cooking. Begin by adding about one cup of the hot chicken broth to the pan with the toasted pasta. Stir constantly and gently with a wooden spoon. The pasta will gradually absorb the liquid. Wait until most of the broth has been absorbed and the pasta is still relatively wet before adding another cup. Repeat this process, simmering and stirring, adding one cup of broth at a time, until the pasta is perfectly tender and al dente, usually taking around 20-25 minutes. The constant stirring helps release starches, creating that desired creamy consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and beautifully creamy, return the browned sausage and onions to the pan. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice (optional, but highly recommended for brightness), and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently until the sausage is heated through and the Parmesan has melted into the luscious sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped oregano for an aromatic finish. Consider serving with a crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce!
Tips and Creative Variations
This Pasta Risotto recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some tips and variations to inspire your next meal:
- Enhance with White Wine: For an authentic touch, classic risotto recipes often incorporate white wine. You can elevate the flavor of this pasta risotto by substituting 1 cup of the chicken broth with a dry white wine, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. Add the wine after toasting the pasta and let it cook down until almost fully absorbed before starting with the broth. This adds a wonderful depth and acidity to the sauce.
- Experiment with Different Proteins: While Italian sausage is a fantastic choice, feel free to swap it out or add other proteins.
- Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked shredded chicken breast is an excellent addition. Stir it in at the very end to warm through.
- Seafood: For a lighter option, consider adding shrimp scampi or seared scallops during the last few minutes of cooking, or simply fold in cooked shrimp at the end.
- Other Meats: Cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even small meatballs can be added with the sausage or stirred in at the end.
- Gourmet Toppings: For an extra special meal, serve the pasta risotto alongside slices of perfectly grilled rib-eye steak or a decadent creamy Chicken Marsala.
- Make it Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a delightful vegetarian dish.
- Meatless Mince: Replace the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute. Cook it just as you would the sausage.
- Mushroom Risotto Pasta: Create a rich, earthy flavor by sautéing sliced cremini or baby portobello mushrooms (about 8 oz) with the onions until they release their liquid and brown. You can also add dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped, for an even deeper umami flavor.
- Other Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can be sautéed as a base.
- More Flavorful Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to incorporate a variety of ingredients to boost flavor and texture:
- Vegetables: Stir in fresh or frozen peas, chopped asparagus, broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or spinach during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) can add a burst of acidity and sweetness.
- Cheese Varieties: Beyond Parmesan, consider adding a touch of mascarpone for extra richness, or shredded mozzarella for a gooey texture at the end. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese could also add a tangy twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Besides oregano, fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat can significantly alter the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pasta Risotto
This creamy pasta risotto is hearty and flavorful enough to stand on its own as a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to create a well-rounded and delightful dinner. I like to serve this dish just as I would my actual sausage risotto, ensuring a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
- Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce! My homemade basil garlic bread or a rustic rosemary focaccia are excellent choices that add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
- Fresh Salad: To cut through the richness of the pasta, a crisp, vibrant salad is always a welcome addition. A big, sharing-style Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper can add both nutrition and a touch of freshness.
- For Dessert: Cap off your satisfying meal with something sweet! These cinnamon blondies offer a comforting, spiced sweetness that would be a perfect finish.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Pasta Risotto
One of the best things about this pasta risotto is that it tastes just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. I frequently make extra specifically to enjoy the fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Allow the pasta risotto to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes it an ideal option for easy and delicious lunches throughout the week.
- Reheat: To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options. For best results, warm the pasta risotto in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring in between until warmed through. Since risotto-style pasta can thicken considerably as it cools, I highly recommend sprinkling in a tablespoon or two of water or extra broth (chicken or vegetable) as you reheat. This will help to loosen the pasta and restore its creamy texture, making it feel freshly made.
More Easy One-Pan Pasta Recipes
If you love the convenience and flavor of this one-pan pasta risotto, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic easy pasta recipes that are perfect for any night of the week:
- Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Beef Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Creamy One-Pan Pasta Risotto
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 12 oz dried penne pasta
- 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 pound Italian Sausage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Oregano, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it is hot and steaming, but do not let it come to a rolling boil. Keep it warm.
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, drizzle about 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and finely chopped onion. Break up the sausage with a spoon, cooking until it is browned and thoroughly cooked through, and the onions are softened. Remove the cooked sausage and onions from the pan and set aside on a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the dry penne pasta, tossing to coat it evenly in the oil and any residual pan drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is lightly toasted and a little browned at the edges. This step is key for flavor.
- Begin adding the hot chicken broth to the pan, about 1 cup at a time. Stir frequently, allowing most of the liquid to be absorbed by the pasta before adding the next cup. Continue this process of adding broth and stirring, waiting for absorption, until the pasta is tender and cooked through to al dente, and the sauce is creamy. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage and onions to the pan with the pasta. Stir in the 2 Tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Season the pasta with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to taste. Stir everything well until the cheese is melted and the sausage is heated through.
- Serve your creamy pasta risotto immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped oregano, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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