Looking for a simple, comforting pasta recipe that’s ready in one pot and packed with flavor? This Easy One Pot Pasta Rosa combines savory Italian sausage, tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy tomato-rosa sauce into a satisfying dinner everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or anyone who craves a rich, creamy pasta dish without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
🥘 What Is Pasta Rosa?
Pasta Rosa refers to pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce — a beautiful pink or “rosa” colored sauce made by blending tomato sauce with cream or a creamy tomato-based jarred sauce. This one-pot version delivers all that flavor with minimal cleanup, inspired by classic Italian favorites like Buca Di Beppo’s Macaroni Rosa but with a homemade twist.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- ½ lb ground Italian sausage (removed from casing)
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, quartered
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- 1 (15 oz) jar creamy Rosa sauce (e.g., Four Cheese Rosa)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Olive oil, salt & pepper to taste
Tip: Using a jarred creamy Rosa sauce keeps this recipe quick and effortless.
🍳 How to Make One Pot Pasta Rosa
1. Prep the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to boil, cook the pasta just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside — it will finish cooking in the sauce.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add the red onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook on medium-high until softened.
3. Brown the Meats
Add the ground Italian sausage and diced chicken. Break up the sausage as it cooks. Once nearly done, stir in garlic and continue cooking until fragrant.
4. Add Veggies & Herbs
Stir in mushrooms, broccoli, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for a few minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
5. Create the Creamy Rosa Sauce
Pour in the jarred Rosa sauce and canned tomatoes with their juices. Mix in frozen peas, then reduce heat to medium and cover for about 5 minutes so flavors meld.
6. Combine Pasta & Serve
Add the par-cooked pasta and fresh parsley to the sauce and toss to coat. Continue simmering until the pasta reaches perfect al dente. Serve hot with extra parsley or parmesan if desired.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This One Pot Dinner
- Easy to make: One pan, minimal prep, zero stress.
- Hearty & full of flavor: Protein, veggies, and pasta all in one pot.
- Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, use a different pasta shape — make it your own!
💡 Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce — it should finish cooking there for optimal creaminess.
- Add extra herbs like basil or oregano for even more Italian flavor.
🍝 Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy pasta with:
- A crisp green salad
- Crusty garlic bread
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Have you tried this One Pot Pasta Rosa yet? Leave a comment below with your favorite spin — maybe extra spice, a splash of wine, or a veggie boost!
Print
Creamy One Pot Pasta Rosa
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy one pot pasta rosa is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with rotini pasta, chicken, Italian sausage, broccoli, peas, and a tomato cream sauce, it’s the perfect comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
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1 pound rotini pasta
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½ pound Italian sausage, casing removed
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1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 cup creamy rosa sauce
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1 cup diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
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Cook rotini pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
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Add Italian sausage and chicken. Cook, breaking up the sausage, until browned and cooked through.
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Stir in garlic, broccoli, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
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Add creamy rosa sauce, diced tomatoes, and peas. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add cooked pasta to the pot and toss until fully coated and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve warm topped with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
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Do not overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce—it will continue cooking as it simmers.
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Swap chicken for shrimp or use all sausage for an easy variation.
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Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 30 MINUTES
- Category: DINNER | PASTA
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN | AMERICAN
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pasta rosa?
Pasta rosa is a creamy tomato-based pasta sauce made by combining tomato sauce with cream or a creamy rosa-style sauce. The result is a rich, pink-colored sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Can I make pasta rosa ahead of time?
Yes. Pasta rosa can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to restore the creamy texture.
What pasta works best for pasta rosa?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or rigatoni work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce. Avoid long noodles, which don’t capture the sauce as well.
Can I make this recipe without sausage?
Absolutely. You can use all chicken, swap in ground turkey, or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers if skipping the sausage.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Reheat the pasta slowly over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water while stirring. This helps prevent the sauce from becoming thick or dry.
Can I freeze one pot pasta rosa?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, freeze the sauce without the cream and add fresh cream when reheating.
Is this one pot pasta spicy?
No, this recipe is mild. If you’d like heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to taste.
What can I serve with pasta rosa?
Pasta rosa pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
