According to Chef Giada, “This cheesy chicken sausage pasta is sure to satisfy all tastebuds.”
Made with only a few pantry staples like penne, chicken sausage, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, this one-pot pasta meal comes together in just 20 minutes to provide families with a hearty, protein-packed dinner that keeps them feeling full.
With chicken sausage adding flavor and cheese pulling it together, even picky eaters will want more.
Key Takeaway
This chicken sausage cheese recipe provides a hearty one-pot pasta meal made in just 20 minutes with basic pantry ingredients like chicken sausage, penne, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It is both filling and nutritious.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Cheese Pasta in 20 Minutes
Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will love or wanting to soak up the last few evenings of summer lazily enjoying a home cooked meal, this cheesy chicken sausage pasta is just the ticket.
With basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand, this one pot wonder comes together in a snap. Read on for a simple, satisfying solution to your weekly meal planning needs!
INGREDIENTS
To make this sausage pasta meal, you’ll need a few key components. Perusing your fridge and cupboards, you’re sure to have most if not all of these essentials.
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 package chicken apple sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients, it’s time to put it all together. Just follow these easy steps for a hot and hearty dinner right on schedule.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and allow it to come to a simmer. Add the cooked penne and sausage back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve piping hot, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
This CHEESY CHICKEN SAUSAGE PASTA comes together in just 20 minutes for a cozy, satisfying weeknight meal. Implementing protein-rich chicken sausage and marinara sauce provides plant forward flavor in a snap.
The melting mozzarella cheese pulls it all together for a velvety texture. Feel free to switch up the pasta shape or sausage flavor based on your preferences. Just be sure to slice the sausage to help it crisp up nicely before combining with the other ingredients.
Complementary Recipes Using Chicken Sausage
When you have chicken sausage on hand, it’s easy to put together a variety of satisfying meals.
Versatile chicken sausage adds flavorful protein and savory seasoning to dishes ranging from quick stove-top suppers to wholesome bakes. Here are some favorite chicken sausage recipes to try:
Breakfast Ideas
| Recipe | Key Ingredients | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sausage and Egg Bake | Chicken sausage, eggs, cheese, bread | Bake at 350°F until set, 25-30 minutes |
| Sausage Scramble | Chicken sausage, eggs, veggies | Cook in skillet until eggs are set |
| Sausage Biscuits | Chicken sausage, biscuits, gravy | Bake biscuits, serve open-faced with sausage patty and gravy |
Lunch/Dinner Creations
- Pasta Primavera with Sausage – penne, chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, light cream sauce
- Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner – chicken sausage, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, balsamic glaze
- Chicken Sausage Stir Fry – favorite vegetables, rice, soy sauce and ginger sauce
- Sausage Pizza – sausage, red sauce, mozzarella on whole wheat crust
- Sausage Soups – chicken sausage adds protein to minestrone, tortilla soup, etc.
When shopping for chicken sausage to use in versatile recipes, look for high protein, low sodium varieties with simple, wholesome ingredients. With any of these tasty options, chicken sausage is sure to become a go-to addition for simple meals packed with flavor. Enjoy!
Credit : Get Curried
Nutrition Facts and Benefits of Chicken Sausage Cheese Pasta
As an excellent source of complete protein from the chicken sausage and micronutrients from the vegetables and cheese, this pasta dish provides energy-sustaining macronutrients along with many important vitamins and minerals (1).
- Protein promotes muscle mass retention and fullness. The chicken sausage is particularly high in lean protein (2).
- Calcium aids bone health and supports muscle function. The cheese is the top source of calcium in this recipe (3).
- Iron carries oxygen through the blood for energy production and focus. Lentils, tomatoes, and green vegetables boost iron (4).
- Zinc supports immune function and cell growth. Chicken, lentils, and onions contribute (5).
- Vitamin C aids collagen production and absorption of iron. Bell peppers give skin-nourishing vitamin C (6).
As a balanced, plant-forward meal packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, chicken sausage cheese pasta supports overall wellness and makes for an easy weeknight dinner option.
Its combination of complex carbs, fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats helps provide sustainable energy.
Conclusion
In summary, this chicken sausage cheese pasta recipe provides the perfect solution when you need a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal.
With only basic pantry ingredients that most families already have on hand, it comes together in just 20 minutes for a hearty one-pot pasta dinner.
The combination of protein-rich chicken sausage, fiber-packed vegetables, nutritional boost from tomatoes, and creamy cheese creates a well-balanced meal that will leave everyone feeling full.
Whether you’re a time-strapped parent or just looking for an easy meal on a busy weekday, this check sausage cheese pasta dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Give it a try and let me know if you have any other questions in the comments below!
References
- https://carnivorestyle.com/how-much-protein-in-chicken-sausage/
- https://facts.net/chicken-sausage-nutrition-facts/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/cheese/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iron-rich-plant-foods
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/zinc-healthprofessional/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bell-peppers
Related Article
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/prepare-your-own-meals/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-make-sausage-with-chicken/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-pasta/
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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.
