Chicken Sausage Pasta ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Chicken Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound whole wheat pasta; 4 chicken sausages (sliced into rounds); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp minced garlic; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper

Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy, hearty dish is your new go-to for busy weeknights. This Chicken Sausage Pasta is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

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Eating well doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen. This Chicken Sausage Pasta recipe proves it!

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Combining wholesome ingredients like lean chicken sausage and whole wheat pasta with a burst of savory seasonings, this easy recipe shows how healthy eating can be truly delicious and effortless!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Here are some of the many reasons why our family loves this chicken sausage pasta!

From start to finish, this meal is ready in under 20 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights. This Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan is equally as easy and delicious!
With just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can create a truly flavorful dish quickly.
Featuring whole wheat pasta and lean chicken sausage, this recipe is a nutritious choice for the whole family. It's easy to pack in extra veggies too!
The mild flavors and familiar ingredients make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
This recipe is a fantastic base for your creativity. Add your favorite vegetables, sauces, or cheeses to make it your own. Try this Sausage Broccoli Pasta!
Check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta or this Sausage Stir Fry for another delicious family dinner!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutes for this chicken sausage pasta. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full recipe.

First, use your desired type of pasta. We typically use whole wheat pasta. If you are gluten free, then use gluten free pasta. For a lower carb option, use spaghetti squash or hearts of palm pasta.

Slice the chicken sausage into evenly sized rounds.

Coat the pan with olive oil. We also love avocado oil. This helps crisp up the sausage.

Minced garlic adds a delicious garlicky flavor! If you don't have any, feel free to use garlic powder and onion powder.

Lastly, season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Taste & Texture

This Chicken Sausage Pasta is full of flavor without being overly complicated. The garlic adds depth, while the chicken sausage brings a slightly smoky, savory taste.

When tossed together, it’s a simple yet hearty dish that balances lightness with a comfort-food feel.

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ve got the perfect final touch!

How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta

Step 1

First, cook the pasta until al dente. Then, drain.

Step 2

In a large skillet, add the sliced sausage, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through.

Step 4

Add the pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 5

Finally, serve!

Expert Tips for Success

Here are our top tips for mastering this Chicken Sausage Pasta:

Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta (cooked until firm to the bite) is key for the best texture and prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with the other ingredients.

Choose Quality Sausage: We highly recommend using pre-cooked chicken sausages with no added sugar or preservatives, like the ones from Trader Joe's, for the healthiest and most flavorful results.

Sauté Smart: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the sausage and garlic. This will help the sausage brown nicely and release its flavor.

Reserve Pasta Water (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for this recipe, reserving a little pasta water before draining can be helpful if you decide to add a sauce later – it helps to emulsify and create a richer consistency.

Toss Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined in the skillet so every bite is packed with flavor.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

This Chicken Sausage Pasta is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to switch things up and add even more deliciousness:

Veggies Galore: Boost the nutritional value and add vibrant color with chopped onions, bell peppers (any color!), broccoli florets, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them with the sausage or steam them separately and stir in at the end.

Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is always a good idea! You could also try a dash of Pecorino Romano or even a creamy dollop of ricotta cheese.

Sauce It Up: For a saucier dish, stir in a splash of your favorite marinara sauce, pesto, or a light cream sauce after combining the pasta and sausage.

Herbaceous Heaven: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or oregano can add a burst of freshness. Add them just before serving.

A Little Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic.

How to Serve & Store

Serving: This Chicken Sausage Pasta is a complete meal on its own! For a well-rounded dinner, serve it with a simple side salad and a crusty piece of whole wheat bread.

Storing: Leftovers are delicious! Store any remaining Chicken Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of chicken sausage should I use?

We recommend pre-cooked chicken sausages without added sugar or preservatives. Look for flavors you enjoy, such as Italian-style, apple, or spinach and feta.

Can I add fresh garlic instead of minced?

Yes, if you have fresh garlic cloves, mince them yourself for an even stronger garlic flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use whole wheat pasta, it is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Is chicken sausage healthy?

Yes, especially if you choose brands with no added sugars or preservatives. It’s a leaner alternative to pork sausage with plenty of flavor.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Add hearty veggies like broccoli or sweet potatoes, or serve with a side of garlic bread for extra satisfaction.

Equipment Needed

Wooden Spoon: Mix the alfredo sauce and the chicken with a wooden spoon.

Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this chicken broccoli alfredo recipe.

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