The Best Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe

This Chicken and Sausage Pasta recipe is a go-to comfort food for many, offering a perfect balance of flavors. Combining juicy chicken, savory sausage, and pasta in a creamy sauce, this dish is satisfying and easy to make. It’s a great choice for weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and delicious with just a few simple ingredients.

Servings	Total
4	30mins

History of Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Chicken and sausage pasta is a popular Italian-American dish inspired by traditional Italian pasta recipes. Combining sausage with chicken adds a heartiness and depth of flavor that makes it a family favorite. Over time, this dish has become a classic choice in many homes and restaurants, often adapted with a variety of sauces, vegetables, and spices.

Why Chicken and Sausage Pasta

This recipe is both versatile and filling. It brings together protein-rich chicken, flavorful sausage, and tender pasta, all coated in a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s ideal for family meals, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s taste or make it lighter with some vegetable swaps.

What is Chicken and Sausage Pasta Made Of?

Chicken and sausage pasta is made with cooked pasta, seasoned chicken pieces, sausage (usually Italian sausage), garlic, onion, cream, Parmesan cheese, and a few basic seasonings. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes, and top with fresh herbs to add color and flavor.

What to Have with Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Chicken and sausage pasta pairs well with:

• Salad: A fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Bread: Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a baguette are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make a delicious side and add some extra nutrients to the meal.

Is Chicken and Sausage Pasta Healthy?

This dish can be made healthier by using whole-grain pasta, lean chicken breast, and reducing the cream. Adding vegetables and controlling portion sizes can also help balance the meal. While it’s generally higher in calories due to the sausage and cream, you can adjust ingredients for a lighter version.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Large Skillet: For sautéing the ingredients and combining everything.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the ingredients.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 bell pepper, sliced; fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta
  Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
• Cook the Chicken and Sausage
  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
  In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. If you’re adding bell pepper, add it now and cook until it’s tender.
• Make the Sauce
  Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Allow the cream to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
• Combine Everything
  Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and a splash of pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve
  Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

• Save the Pasta Water: This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley brightens up the flavors.
• Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, reduce the cream or substitute with milk.

Conclusion

Chicken and sausage pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or for guests, it’s simple yet delicious. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the creaminess to make it just the way you like. Enjoy this comforting meal with family or friends, and don’t forget the side of garlic bread!

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