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why make this recipe
Chicken sausage pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that combines flavors and textures in a wonderful way. It’s a quick dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. The savory chicken sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy marinara sauce, and the spinach adds a nice pop of color and nutrients. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
how to make Chicken Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces pasta (uncooked, any type)
- 4 links Italian-style chicken sausage (sliced into 1-inch coins)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- kosher salt and black pepper
- Parmesan (or parsley or basil for optional garnish)
Directions:
- Boil a large pot of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook pasta just to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, warm oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until it begins to brown on the edges.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, cream (or half and half), red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Stir in spinach. Cook 1 minute more, just until it wilts, then add cooked pasta and stir well.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and/or basil, if desired, and serve.
how to serve Chicken Sausage Pasta
This dish is best served hot. You can place it in a large serving bowl for family-style dining or plate it individually. Add extra Parmesan or fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finish. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Chicken Sausage Pasta
To store leftover chicken sausage pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
tips to make Chicken Sausage Pasta
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add more cream.
variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using different types of sausage, such as turkey or pork. You can also swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you like a cheesier flavor, consider adding mozzarella or ricotta cheese to the mix.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pasta instead of dry pasta?
Yes, fresh pasta will work too! Just reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking it.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and replace it with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve. Combine them just before serving for the best texture.
Chicken Sausage Pasta
A delicious and comforting chicken sausage pasta dish, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 ounces pasta (uncooked, any type)
- 4 links Italian-style chicken sausage (sliced into 1-inch coins)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan (or parsley or basil for optional garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook pasta just to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, warm oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until it begins to brown on the edges.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, cream (or half and half), red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Stir in spinach. Cook 1 minute more, just until it wilts, then add cooked pasta and stir well.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and/or basil, if desired, and serve.
Notes
For a lighter version, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.