According to Chef Giovanni, “chicken sausage and pasta is simple yet satisfying comfort food.”
I love making this easy chicken sausage pasta for my family. With just a few ingredients like chicken sausage, pasta and sauce, I can make a hearty meal everyone enjoys.
One time, I added green peppers and it looked so colorful my kids asked to help cook. Another night, I tried zucchini in the sauce – we all liked the crunch.
This recipe is fun to tweak. I’ll share my best tips so you can make it your own special version too. Keep reading to learn how I prepare it – you might want to make it this week!
Key Takeaway
Chicken sausage and pasta is a simple weeknight meal made by browning homemade or store-bought chicken sausage and tossing it with pasta shapes and tomato sauce. You can customize the dish with different sausage flavors, veggie add-ins, pasta types, and herb seasonings.
How to make chicken sausage and pasta
Making your own chicken sausage is easy and SO satisfying. You’ll love having complete control over the ingredients! Pair it with a simple pasta for a delicious, nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients for the Chicken Sausage:
- 2 pounds ground chicken (I use thighs for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fennel seeds
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup cold water
Ingredients for the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta shells or cavatappi work great
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- salt and pepper to taste
- parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, parsley, fennel seeds, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes thoroughly using your hands.
- Add the water and mix until well combined but not OVERMIXED.
- Break off tennis ball sized pieces of the meat mixture and roll into sausage shapes. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the sausages for 1 hour to firm up before cooking. This step isn’t 100% necessary but makes them easier to cook.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and cook together for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve immediately with parmesan cheese! Leftovers also freeze well. Enjoy!
With just a few basic ingredients, you can make your own flavorful chicken sausage right at home. The tomato sauce pairs perfectly and adds nutrition to this hearty pasta dish.
Get creative with your seasonings and have fun playing around with different types of sausage and pasta shapes.
Variations on chicken sausage and pasta
While the classic chicken sausage and pasta recipe is delicious, there are endless ways to vary the dish for some new favorites. Here are some ideas to experiment with different sausages, sauces, and pasta shapes:
Sausage Varieties
- Pork sausage: Substitute bulk pork sausage for the chicken. Italian or breakfast styles both work well.
- Chorizo: Go for Spanish-style chorizo for a spicy kick.
- Veggie sausage: Try Beyond or Field Roast sausages made from vegan ingredients.
- Pepperoni: Dice up pepperoni slices and stir them into the pasta sauce.
Sauce Swaps
- Alfredo sauce: Toss cooked pasta with garlic alfredo instead of tomato sauce.
- Pesto: Stir in a dollop of basil pesto at the end for bright herby flavor.
- Tomato cream: Simmer halved cherry tomatoes in heavy cream for a rosé sauce.
- Arrabiata: Make a spicy tomato sauce with red pepper flakes and garlic.
Pasta Picks
- Penne: Its tube shape catches sauce well.
- Farfalle: Butterfly pasta is fun and bowtie-shaped.
- Orecchiette: The little ear-shaped pasta cradles ingredients (1).
- Spaghetti: A classic pairing for any meat sauce.
With just a bit of creativity, you can customize this simple sausage pasta recipe in endless ways. Have fun experimenting with different meat and vegetable mixtures, sauces, and pasta shapes. Soon it will become your own goto weeknight specialty!
Credit : Erin Alvarez
Tips for the best chicken sausage and pasta
Whether you’re making the sausage from scratch or using store-bought links, some tips can take this dish to the next level. Here are suggestions based on firsthand experience:
Sausage tips
- Use high-quality chicken with at least 90% meat
- Add fennel seeds, garlic, herbs for extra flavor
- Form sausage into cylinders or flattened patties
- Freeze formed sausage to firm before cooking (2)
Pasta tips
- Use short pasta like penne, rigatoni or shells
- Cook pasta al dente until barely tender
- Reserve pasta water to add back for creaminess
Sauce tips
- Sauté onion, garlic and Italian seasoning first
- Let tomato sauce simmer for rich, concentrated flavor
- Add chicken broth for moisture if sauce is too thick
- Finish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese
| Ingredient | Purpose | Best Choices |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | High protein, low fat | Ground thigh meat |
| Herbs/Spices | Flavor | Basil, oregano, red pepper |
| Pasta | Carbohydrate vessel | Shells, penne, farfalle |
| Diced veg | Flavor, texture | Onion, mushroom, zucchini |
With quality ingredients and techniques like these, you’ll achieve chicken sausage and pasta perfection every time. Simply adjust seasonings to taste for the flavor profile you enjoy most. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the cozy meal!
Conclusion
Whether you love homemade chicken sausage and pasta on a busy weekday night or seek creative twists for weekend dining, I hope this recipe guide provided stellar suggestions.
From tried-and-true methods for crafting flavorful sausage to innovative mix-and-match ideas for sauces and pasta shapes, these techniques have stood the test of time in my kitchen.
For those wanting to develop culinary mastery, I encourage experimenting with your own herb or spice blends. Don’t be afraid to follow your taste buds down undiscovered flavor profiles. Above all, relish this cozy classic as comfort food to nourish your soul.
Leave a comment below to share your favorite sausage and pasta combinations – I’d love some new ideas to try!
References
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/orecchiette-puglias-pasta-specialty-3957497
- https://wurstcircle.com/freezing-sausage/
Related Article
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-do-you-cook-pasta-in-a-rice-cooker/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/italian-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/seasoning/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
