Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe: A Family-Favorite Dinner

Crafting a delectable chicken sausage pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

My kitchen experiments often lead to surprising culinary discoveries.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Savory sausage pieces weave through perfectly cooked noodles, creating incredible flavor profiles.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of olive oil enhance each delightful bite.

Quick preparation means you can have this dish ready in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises deliciousness in every forkful.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works great with this recipe.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The heat depends on the sausage you choose. Mild Italian sausage is less spicy, while hot Italian sausage adds more kick.

  • Can I make this dish healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.

  • What if I don't have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works well. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet.

Chicken And Sausage Pasta For Family Dinners

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe delivers delicious flavors in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow you to swap proteins or vegetables based on what's in your refrigerator, making it adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Pack in Protein Power: Combining chicken and sausage creates a hearty meal loaded with protein, keeping you full and energized while delivering rich, savory taste profiles that everyone will love.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience for home chefs of all skill levels.

Ingredients For Chicken And Sausage Pasta Bliss

Protein:
  • Chicken: Provides lean protein and adds hearty texture to the pasta dish.
  • Sausage: Brings rich, savory flavor and additional protein to the meal.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Spinach: Adds nutritional value and fresh green color to the recipe.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its intense, aromatic taste.
Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta and meats.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish and helps to enhance the dish's overall flavor.
Seasoning and Basics:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the flavors of all ingredients.
  • Pasta: Serves as the base of the dish, providing a satisfying carbohydrate component.
Oil:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and allows for even cooking of ingredients.

Steps For Creamy Chicken And Sausage Pasta Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Stage

Grab a spacious, deep skillet and drizzle some olive oil across its surface.

Let the oil shimmer and spread evenly, creating a perfect foundation for your culinary adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle and Dance the Proteins

Toss in these protein-packed ingredients:
  • Tender chicken pieces
  • Flavorful sausage slices
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Minced garlic

Stir and sauté everything together, allowing the meats to brown and develop rich, caramelized edges.

Cook until the chicken turns golden and the sausage releases its savory juices, which should take around 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Creamy Embrace

Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently.

Stir continuously, watching the sauce transform and thicken into a velvety blanket that will coat every morsel of your dish.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Flavors

Introduce your perfectly cooked pasta to the skillet.

Gently fold everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the creamy, meaty goodness.

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste profile.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

Shower the dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

The warm pasta will help the cheese melt slightly, creating irresistible strands and adding a nutty, salty dimension.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips For Chicken And Sausage Pasta Every Time

  • Pat chicken and sausage dry before cooking to achieve better browning and lock in juicy flavors.
  • Start with less salt, taste as you go, and adjust gradually to avoid over-salting the dish.
  • Stir cream sauce constantly and keep heat medium-low to prevent separation or burning.
  • Select pasta shapes with ridges like penne or rigatoni to help sauce cling better and enhance overall texture.
  • Consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil to elevate the dish's taste profile.

Pasta Variations For Chicken And Sausage Lovers

  • Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or mushroom medley for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sausage is gluten-free certified to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Chicken And Sausage Pasta With Bread

  • Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pasta in a large, warm ceramic dish that highlights the rich colors and textures of the chicken, sausage, and spinach.
  • Elegant Wine Pairing: Match the creamy pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Side Salad Companion: Complement the pasta with a light, zesty mixed green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast.

How To Store Chicken And Sausage Pasta Easily

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and meat stay fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
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Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chicken sausage pasta brings Italian countryside comfort straight to your kitchen. Creamy sauce, hearty ingredients, and quick preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa sausage

Produce and Seasonings:

  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom evenly.
  2. Introduce diced chicken and sliced sausage into the hot pan, allowing them to sear and develop a golden exterior. Toss in fresh spinach leaves and minced garlic, sautéing the mixture for 6-8 minutes until meats are thoroughly cooked and spinach wilts.
  3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously and allowing the sauce to simmer and gradually thicken, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
  4. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy meat mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  5. Transfer the aromatic pasta to serving plates, finishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Notes

  • Swap sausage for turkey sausage to reduce fat and calories while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but frozen spinach works perfectly when fresh isn’t available, just drain excess moisture before adding.
  • Use heavy cream for ultimate richness, or substitute half-and-half for lighter version without sacrificing creamy texture.
  • Customize heat level by selecting spicy Italian sausage or mild version depending on personal preference and family taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 745 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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