One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
05 - 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes
07 - 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Add-ins

11 - 2 cups fresh spinach
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes

# Instructions:

01 - Start by getting everything ready: slice your Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your pasta and liquids. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
02 - Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and cook the sausage until it develops a beautiful golden brown crust. This step creates amazing flavor foundations for your dish!
03 - Add your diced onions and minced garlic to the browned sausage. Let them cook until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their wonderful aromas into the kitchen.
04 - Stir in the pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (plus cherry tomatoes if using). Make sure the liquid just covers the pasta - this is key for perfectly cooked noodles!
05 - Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Time for the magic! Stir in both kinds of cheese until they melt into a creamy, luxurious sauce. If needed, add a splash of milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

# Notes:

01 - This comforting one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't want to deal with lots of cleanup
02 - Feel free to switch up the pasta shape - just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly