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Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta

This creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with Italian sausage, tender pasta, a rich tomato cream sauce, and plenty of cheese. An easy, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 carton 32 oz chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and diced yellow onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot.
  2. Pour in the marinara sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, a pinch of sugar, and bay leaves. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated into the tomato sauce.
  5. Add the uncooked ditalini pasta directly into the pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook according to the pasta package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
  6. Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Remove from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve warm with additional Parmesan cheese if desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust the consistency: The pasta will absorb liquid as it cooks and continues to thicken as it sits. Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
  • Switch up the sausage: Use hot Italian sausage if you enjoy a little kick!
  • Make it extra cheesy: Top with additional mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.