There’s a specific kind of hunger that only a long day on the trail can create.
It’s a deep, satisfying ache in your legs, paired with an all-consuming need for a hot, hearty, and fast meal.
When you’re back at camp, tired and craving comfort, the last thing you want is a complicated cooking process and the inevitable pile of washing up that follows.
This is where the one-pot sausage and pasta skillet comes into its own.
It’s the ultimate solution for the hungry hiker, a meal that embodies the spirit of efficient camp cooking: maximum flavour for minimal fuss. It’s a true one-pot wonder.
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its science.
Forget juggling multiple pans. Here, the pasta simmers directly in the pan with the savoury, browned sausage and rich tomato base.
As the pasta cooks, it releases its starches, which magically thicken the sauce, creating a flavourful, creamy coating for every single piece.
It’s a quick, incredibly satisfying, and complete meal that will have you refuelled, warm, and relaxing by your stove in under 30 minutes.
One-Pot Wonder: Simple Sausage & Pasta Skillet
A quick, hearty, and delicious one-pot sausage and pasta skillet recipe perfect for your camping stove. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavour for hungry hikers.
2
servings10
minutes20
minutes580
kcalIngredients
1 tbsp Olive Oil
200 g (approx. 7oz) Smoked Sausage (such as Chorizo or Pancetta), sliced
1 Medium Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
200 g (approx. 7oz) Short Pasta (such as Penne, Ditalini or Rotini)
1 can (400g / 15oz) Tinned Chopped Tomatoes
475 ml (approx. 2 cups) Water or Vegetable/Chicken Stock
1/2 Vegetable or Chicken Stock Cube, crumbled (if using water)
1 tsp Italian Seasoning or Dried Oregano
100 g (approx. 2/3 cup) Frozen or Tinned Peas (optional)
50 g (approx. 1/2 cup) Grated Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese (optional, for serving)
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Directions
- At-Home Prep
- For an even faster campsite meal, chop your onion and garlic at home and store them in a small airtight container or reusable bag. You can also pre-slice the sausage.
- Campsite Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: Place a large skillet or wide pot on your camping stove over a medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the sliced sausage. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and has rendered some of its flavourful fat.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the uncooked pasta, tinned tomatoes (with their juice), water (or stock), crumbled stock cube (if using), and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together well.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Finishing Touches: Once the pasta is nearly tender (al dente), stir in the peas (if using) and continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a thick sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated cheese if desired.
