One Pot Pizza Pasta Meal

This hearty one-pot pizza pasta has become my go-to solution for those busy weeknights when everyone's hungry and I need something delicious on the table quickly. Combining the beloved flavors of pizza with the comfort of pasta, this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cleanup.

I created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when we needed comfort food but had zero energy for complicated cooking. My family now requests it nearly every week, and I love how easily I can switch up the add-ins based on what vegetables need using up in the fridge.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: Provides the savory base that gives this dish its pizza-like flavor. Use sweet or spicy depending on your heat preference.
• Onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms: Create a vegetable medley that mimics classic supreme pizza toppings.
• Tomato paste: Delivers concentrated tomato flavor without making the dish watery like sauce might.
• Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Oregano: Brings that authentic Italian pizza herb profile that makes the dish smell incredible.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh is always best for that aromatic punch that defines good Italian cooking.
• Short pasta like rotini: Captures the sauce in its spirals, making every bite flavorful.
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that gets absorbed by the pasta as it cooks.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that stretchy pizza experience we all love.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Add Italian sausage to a Dutch oven over medium heat and break it into bite-sized pieces while it cooks. Take your time here as properly browned sausage creates a foundation of flavor for the entire dish. The meat should develop a caramelized exterior with no pink remaining.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Once sausage is browned, add your diced onion, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Let them cook alongside the meat for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. The vegetables will release moisture, which helps to deglaze the pan, incorporating all those flavorful browned bits from the sausage.

Build the Flavor Base:

Add tomato paste, red pepper flakes, oregano, and minced garlic, stirring until the tomato paste evenly coats all the meat and vegetables. Allow this mixture to cook for about a minute until the spices become fragrant. This step blooms the spices and caramelizes the tomato paste slightly, developing deeper flavor.

Cook the Pasta:

Mix in your dry pasta and chicken broth, turn heat to high, and bring to a boil. Then lower to medium-low, cover, and cook for 14 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, becoming tender while a light sauce forms. If the mixture becomes too dry, simply add a tablespoon of water or broth until a creamy consistency develops.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella until melted and incorporated. Taste and add salt as needed since cheese adds saltiness. For an extra special touch, sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

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The magic of this dish truly lies in the tomato paste. Unlike many pasta recipes that call for jarred sauce, I discovered that concentrated tomato paste creates a much more intense pizza-like flavor that coats each piece of pasta perfectly. My husband actually thought I had used pizza sauce the first time I made this, which I took as the highest compliment.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes endless variations just like your favorite pizza. Try adding pepperoni slices during the last few minutes of cooking for an even more authentic pizza experience. Black olives make a delicious addition for olive lovers, while pineapple pieces can create that controversial but beloved Hawaiian pizza flavor profile. Simply add any heat-stable pizza topping you enjoy.

Storage and Leftovers

This pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together, making for excellent leftovers. To reheat, add a splash of water before microwaving to restore the creamy sauce texture. You can also freeze portions for up to three months; just let them thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Family Friendly Adjustments

For households with varying spice preferences, consider making the base version mild and offering red pepper flakes at the table for adults to add to their portions. Young children might prefer the dish with just sausage and without the vegetables, so consider serving some plain mozzarella on the side for picky eaters to sprinkle on top. This approach has saved many dinner battles at my table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute sweet or spicy Italian sausage with chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage to suit your preference.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pastas like rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal because they cook evenly and absorb the sauce well.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can even substitute it with extra mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

→ Can I add extra toppings to the dish?

Definitely! Toppings like sliced olives, chopped fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavors further.