Okay, picture this: Is it It’s a Tuesday night, you’re tired, and the thought of slaving over dinner is…well, ok. Is it ideal? What’s a Good Chicken sausage recipe? Is it like mac and cheese? What are some of the best comfort food recipes? My family begs for this – it’s way less fussy than lasagna, and honestly? I think it’s even more satisfying.
What is chicken sausage pasta?
Chicken Sausage Pasta is essentially the ultimate comfort food. Think of it as a creamy pasta dish jazzed up with flavorful chicken sausage and steamed veggies. What is essentially a one-pot wonder that transforms basic ingredients into something truly special. What is the beauty of this recipe? What are some ways to change the veggies in your fridge, swap out the pasta shape, and even play with the vegetables. With the level of spice, you can vary the amount of spices. Is it a reliable, delicious dish that never disappoints?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this chicken sausage pasta recipe is that it feels like a treat, but it isn’t. Doesn’t take forever to make. Is it a win on those nights when time is short?
Flavor:What is the flavor of chicken sausage? What is so amazing about the creamy sauce on pasta? I swear, even my pickiest eater devours this!
Simplicity:Is it easier to order a meal online than takeout? You’re basically just cooking sausage and veggies, boiling pasta, and tossing everything. That’s it! How do you make a creamy sauce? I’m telling you, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
Cost-What is a good way to use up leftover veggies from the week? Chicken sausage is relatively inexpensive (especially if you buy it in bulk), and pasta is always a good option. What is a budget
Versatility:You can customize this. Add some spinach for extra greens, use a different type of sausage, or throw in some roasted red peppers. What are peppers for a touch of sweetness? Is Baked Ziti more versatile than a regular baklava? My kids love it, and I can’t get enough of it!
How do I make chicken sausage pasta?
Quick Overview
What are some good ways to cook chicken sausage and veggies? What is the best way to boil pasta? What’s the best way to make a creamy sauce? Dinner is served. I promise, it’s way easier than it sounds, and the whole process only takes about 30 minutes. What is the hardest part of cooking pasta?
Ingredients
For the Main Event:
* 1 pound chicken sausage, removed from casing (I like Italian flavors)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties work great)
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version – I’ve even used almond milk and it’s not bad). Is it creamy?
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, because we’re fancy like that)
Spice it up (optional, but recommended):
What are some good red pepper flakes?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sausage Time!
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Set aside. Cook the chicken sausage in a large skillet until browned, about 5 minutes. Then remove it from the skillet and serve. I always make sure there’s no pink left – safety first! Once it’s cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. If you leave sausage drippings in the pan, that’s flavor gold!
Step 2: Veggie Power
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute. Don’t burn the garlic – nobody likes burnt garlic!
Step 3: Pasta Prep
While the veggies are cooking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – this is going to help create a nice thicker pasta. What is the perfect creamy sauce? I always set a timer, because overcooked pasta is just sad.
Step 4: Sauce Magic
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. What is the bottom of the pan? What are the browned bits that live in your mouth? Don’t skip this step! Then, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your plate. What is the desired consistency
Step 5: Combine & Conquer
Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the pan. Season with salt and pepper. I always give it a little taste test at this point to make sure it’s perfect.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. I always serve mine with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Is it okay to lick a plate clean?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a Good Chicken sausage pasta recipe? What are some ideas for the next level?
What is a simple weeknight dinner?What’s a good combination of Garlic Bread and green salad?
For a dinner party:Serve with a Caesar salad and your favorite wine. How do I impress my guests without spending hours in the kitchen?
For a Cozy Night In: Pair it with some roasted vegetables and a warm blanket on the couch. Perfect for a relaxing evening.
For Leftovers (because there will probably be some): It’s great reheated for lunch the next day! Just add a little bit of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
My family also loves having this with some steamed broccoli – it adds a nice crunch and some extra nutrients. Trust me, even the kids will eat their broccoli when it’s served with this pasta!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Sausage Pasta
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Sausage Pasta
Over the years, I’ve made my share of chicken sausage pasta. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Sausage Selection: Experiment with different flavors of chicken sausage. Spicy Italian, sweet Italian, or even apple chicken sausage can add a unique twist.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Nobody likes mushy pasta. Cook it al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm but not hard.
Reserve That Pasta Water: Seriously, this is liquid gold! It helps create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: It really makes a difference. Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach, kale, or arugula at the end for a boost of nutrients and flavor. The heat from the pasta will wilt the greens perfectly.
Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave them out altogether.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables, herbs, or cheeses to create your own signature dish.
I also always make sure to sauté the onions and peppers until they are really soft – this helps them to release their natural sweetness, which adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing chicken sausage pasta, and now you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to eat it sooner rather than later for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave the pasta until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
I always recommend adding a little bit of fresh Parmesan cheese and parsley when reheating to freshen it up. It’s like a little makeover for your leftovers!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Creamy Dreamy Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any occasion in between. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out my one-pot Pasta Primavera or my creamy tomato pasta with basil. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and be sure to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!
Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Sausage Italian seasoned, sliced
- 1 lb Pasta Penne or Rotini
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, slice the chicken sausage into rounds.
- In a large skillet, cook the sliced chicken sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
