As the day ends and dinner time approaches, you don’t want to stress over a long, hard meal. This creamy chicken sausage pasta is here to help. It’s a delicious, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
In about 30 minutes, you can make a tasty pasta dish for your family. The Italian-style chicken sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor. Paired with tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, this meal is both filling and budget-friendly.
Table of Contents
Why This Quick Pasta Dish Will Become Your Go-To Dinner
The Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta is perfect for easy weeknight dinners. It’s ready in just 20 minutes. This makes it ideal for those busy evenings when you need a quick meal.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This pasta dish is a lifesaver on hectic weeknights. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare and cooks in about 30 minutes. You’ll have a tasty dinner ready fast, without losing flavor or quality.
Family-Friendly Recipe
The whole family will love the Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta. It has mild Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta. This mix of flavors is great for both kids and adults, making it perfect for busy families.
Budget-Conscious Meal Option
This dish is also budget-friendly. It uses common ingredients and pantry staples. With 497 calories per serving, it’s a cost-effective way to feed your family.
In summary, the Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta is quick, easy, and loved by all. Its versatility, taste, and affordability make it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Pasta
Creating a tasty chicken sausage pasta dish starts with the right ingredients. This one-pot meal is a hit on weeknights. It needs just a few key items for a big flavor boost. Let’s explore the must-haves:
- Chicken Sausage: Pick an Italian-style chicken sausage for the best taste and texture.
- Pasta: Rigatoni or penne are great choices. They hold the creamy sauce well.
- Heavy Cream: This rich cream makes the sauce smooth and luxurious.
- Chicken Stock: Chicken broth or stock adds depth and makes the dish savory.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These tomatoes add sweetness and chewiness to the dish.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics are the flavor base.
- Tomato Paste: A bit of tomato paste thickens the sauce and boosts tomato flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste.
You can also add dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil for more flavor. The recipe is flexible. You can change it up based on what you like or need.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Sausage | 3 links |
| Penne Pasta | 12 ounces |
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
| Chicken Stock | 1/4 cup |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Onion | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Tomato Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Parmesan Cheese | 5 ounces, shredded |
Selecting the Best Chicken Sausage Varieties
Choosing the right chicken sausage can elevate your pasta dish. Opt for Italian-style sausages with garlic and fennel for a true taste. These sausages are a blank canvas for exciting flavors.
Italian Style Options
For a taste of Italy, try Aidells, Bilinski’s, or Al Fresco sausages. They add a Mediterranean flair to your dish with their herbs and spices.
Flavor Combinations
Don’t stick to just Italian flavors. Try sausages with spinach and feta or wild mushrooms and herbs. These unique tastes can make your dish more interesting.
Quality Indicators
| Sausage Type | Calories | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Chicken Sausage | 150 | 12g | 9g | 2.5g | – |
| Average Pork Sausage | 275 | 16g | 22g | 8g | – |
Choose high-quality chicken sausages with a good meat-to-fat ratio. Look for ones low in sodium and without nitrates, nitrites, and sugars. This ensures a healthier, tastier pasta dish.
While pork sausages can work, chicken sausages are leaner. They have fewer calories and less fat. Explore different chicken sausages to find the best for your creamy pasta.
Pasta Choices and Cooking Tips
The pasta choice is key in this creamy chicken sausage pasta dish. Rigatoni is the top pick, but you can try penne, fusilli, or orecchiette for variety. Fresh lasagna sheets cut into strips add a fun twist.
It’s important to cook pasta al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. This bite will soften a bit when mixed with the creamy sauce. Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness, making it cling to the noodles perfectly.
Timing is everything. Cook the pasta and sauce together for a seamless blend. This way, you’ll get a delicious one-pot pasta meal that everyone will love.
Pasta Choices for One-Pot Pasta Dishes
- Rigatoni – the recommended shape for this recipe
- Penne – a classic pasta choice with ridges to capture the sauce
- Fusilli – spiral-shaped pasta that adds visual interest
- Orecchiette – “little ears” that scoop up the sauce beautifully
- Fresh lasagna sheets – cut into strips for a unique texture
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture
- Reserve some of the starchy pasta cooking water
- Time the pasta cooking to coincide with the sauce completion
- Adjust sauce consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed
| Pasta Choice | Cooking Time | Texture | Sauce Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigatoni | 10-12 minutes | Firm, tubular shape | Creamy sauces, ragus |
| Penne | 11-13 minutes | Ridged, tube-shaped | Tomato-based, cream sauces |
| Fusilli | 10-12 minutes | Spiral, corkscrew shape | Pesto, light sauces |
| Orecchiette | 11-13 minutes | Small, ear-shaped | Vegetable, meat-based sauces |
| Lasagna sheets | 3-5 minutes | Flat, wide noodles | Creamy, baked dishes |
For a great one-pot pasta dish, match the pasta and sauce cooking times. This way, you’ll get a meal that’s both harmonious and delicious.
Creating the Perfect Creamy Sauce Base
The secret to a delicious creamy pasta sauce is in the mix of cream and stock. Mixing rich heavy cream with savory chicken stock makes a sauce that’s creamy and flavorful.
Cream and Stock Ratio
Begin by heating the cream and stock together. You can adjust the mix to your liking. More cream makes the sauce thicker and richer. More stock makes it lighter and easier to pour. A good starting point is a 2:1 cream to stock ratio.
Seasoning Balance
To add depth, mix in garlic, tomato paste, and Italian herbs. A bit of pepperoncini juice adds a tangy touch. This helps balance the sauce consistency and seasoning balance. Keep tasting and adjusting until it’s just right.
Consistency Tips
To get the sauce just right, simmer it and let it thicken a bit. Adding pasta water and Parmesan cheese helps it become smooth and clingy. This way, it coats the noodles perfectly.
Pay attention to the cream-to-stock ratio, seasoning, and consistency. With a bit of effort, you’ll make a creamy pasta sauce that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Making a tasty one-pot pasta meal is easy. Just follow these simple steps to make your creamy chicken sausage pasta in under 30 minutes.
- Start by cooking the chicken sausage in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Then, take it out of the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the onions and garlic for about 1 minute until they smell good. Add a bit of white wine or chicken stock to the pan. This helps get all the tasty bits from the bottom.
- Now, add the cream, tomato paste, and your favorite seasonings to the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens a bit.
- While the sauce cooks, cook the pasta as the package says until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and keep about 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Put the cooked pasta, sausage, and some of the pasta water into the sauce. Mix everything well until the sauce coats the pasta just right.
- Finally, add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a lot of Parmesan cheese. Stir it all in.
In just 20-30 minutes, you can have a cozy, one-pot pasta meal ready. It’s great for busy weeknights or family dinners. The creamy sauce, tender chicken sausage, and perfect pasta make it a hit at home.
Customizing Your Dish with Add-Ins
This creamy chicken sausage pasta recipe is super versatile. You can add different pasta add-ins to make it your own. Try out various vegetable options, cheese variations, and herbs to take your meal to the next level.
Vegetable Options
Adding fresh vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers can make your pasta better. Just sauté or steam them lightly before mixing with the pasta and sauce. These vegetable options add color and a nice crunch.
Cheese Variations
While goat cheese is used in the recipe, you can try other cheese variations. Mozzarella, parmesan, or pecorino romano are great choices. Mixing different cheeses can make your dish even more flavorful.
Herb Combinations
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme can really enhance your pasta. They add a burst of flavor. For a bit of heat, add some dried red pepper flakes or diced pepperoncini peppers.
Playing with pasta add-ins, vegetable options, cheese variations, and herbs lets you make the recipe your own. It’s a great way to enjoy a dish that you love. So, don’t be shy to try new things and have fun!
Time-Saving Tips and Tricks
Whipping up a quick and tasty pasta dish like our Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta is key. Every minute matters. Luckily, there are many ways to speed up this easy weeknight dinners process.
- Opt for pre-minced garlic or garlic paste to skip the chopping step.
- Use pre-grated cheese to save time on grating and shredding.
- Cook the pasta while you’re preparing the sauce to maximize efficiency.
- Utilize kitchen shears to quickly snip and chop fresh herbs instead of finely dicing them.
- If using regular sausages, remove the casings before cooking to save time.
- Prepare your ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator, making for even quicker assembly on busy nights.
By using these time-saving tips, you can quickly have this quick pasta dish ready. It’s ideal for easy weeknight dinners when time is tight.
“These time-saving tricks have been a game-changer for me when making this Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta. It’s now one of my go-to easy weeknight dinners that I can have ready in just 30 minutes.”
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 5 |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving this creamy chicken sausage pasta dish is easy. Pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are great choices, soaking up the sauce. A refreshing Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti wine pairs well with the pasta.
Adjust the portion sizes to fit your family’s needs. And remember, have extra Parmesan cheese ready for those who want more.
Pasta Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal
- Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
- Accompany with garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf
Wine Pairings
- Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
- Light red wine such as Chianti
- Rosé wine for a refreshing summer pairing
This family-friendly recipe is a hit with its creamy texture, savory sausage, and al dente pasta. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
“This is my go-to chicken sausage pasta dish when I need a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love.”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying Chicken Sausage Pasta doesn’t have to stop after one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy it for days. Here’s how to keep your pasta delicious:
Refrigeration Tips
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. This makes it easy to reheat as you want. Always let the pasta cool down before putting it in the fridge.
Reheating Methods
There are a few ways to reheat your pasta. Adding milk or cream before reheating keeps the sauce creamy. Heat it gently, stirring often, until it’s hot. Reheat only what you plan to eat to keep it fresh and tasty.
Source Links
- Creamy Rigatoni with Chicken Sausage • In the Kitchen with Steff – https://inthekitchenwithsteff.com/creamy-rigatoni-with-chicken-sausage/
- Marry Me Chicken Sausage Skillet | Munchin’ With Maddie – https://munchinwithmaddie.blog/marry-me-chicken-sausage-skillet/
- Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe | Simple Home Edit – https://simplehomeedit.com/recipe/creamy-sausage-pasta/
- Sausage and Peppers Pasta – https://www.stephreallife.com/sausage-and-peppers-pasta/
- Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta – https://happygutlucky.com/italian-chicken-sausage-pasta/
- Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage – https://www.studiodelicious.com/baked-pasta-chicken-sausage/
- Chicken and Sausage Pasta – Golden Grace Kitchen – https://goldengracekitchen.com/chicken-and-sausage-pasta/
- 10 Healthiest Chicken Sausage Brands—and 3 To Skip – le.com/best-creamy-sausage-pasta-recipe/
- sage – https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/cozy-chicken-sausage-recipes/?srsltid=AfmBOopmpAtJG2EcAtMfQFHzokY2ndOBrPus1E6zOmPdlq08j1RuE1Ij
- High Protein Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli – https://nourishedbynic.com/high-protein-pasta-with-sausage-and-broccoli/
- 5- Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipes to Try Tonight – https://www.quickmealrecipes.com/chicken-sausage-pasta-recipes/
- Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Chicken Sausage Pasta – https://www.foodiecrush.com/creamy-roasted-red-pepper-and-chicken-sausage-pasta/
- How to Store Cooked Pasta in the Fridge or Freezer to Use Later – https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/food-storage-safety/storing-cooked-pasta/
- One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe with Video – https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/one-pot-cheesy-pasta-and-sausage-recipe/