Looking to add some flavor and nutrition to dinner? Try Italian chicken sausage! This type of sausage can spice up all kinds of dishes from pastas to pizzas. Made from ground chicken and Italian seasonings like fennel, garlic, and paprika, these sausages pack a tasty punch.
They are also a healthier alternative to pork or beef sausage, with less fat and calories. So keep those tastebuds tingling and read on to uncover delicious ways to cook Italian chicken sausage for your next meal! This article will share fun, easy recipes to take your cooking up a notch.(1)
Key Takeaway
- Italian chicken sausage can be sautéed, grilled, or added to pasta for tasty meals.
- It’s a healthy choice since it has less fat than pork sausage.
- You can store cooked sausage in the fridge for up to four days.
Cooking Methods
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Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook Italian chicken sausage that brings out delicious flavor while keeping the sausage nice and juicy. To start, slice the sausage into rounds or chunks so it will cook evenly. Using a sharp knife results in clean, even slices that look appetizing.
Next, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage pieces and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sausage browns on all sides. The sausage should get a bit crispy on the outside while staying moist on the inside. Sautéing really brings out the wonderful flavor of the Italian chicken sausage.
It’s a great technique for making a fast, easy meal or for adding yummy sausage flavor to other dishes. When the sausage is finished cooking, it can be served immediately or added to salads, pastas, sandwiches – the options are endless! Sautéing also fills the kitchen with an amazing aroma that will have everyone eager for dinner.
Skillet Meals
Italian chicken sausage really shines in simple one-pan skillet meals that are a cinch to prepare. This method saves time spent cooking and cleaning multiple pans. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and garlic, which provide vibrant color and boost the flavor of the dish.
Grains like rice or pasta turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal. First, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the chopped vegetables and some Italian herbs for wonderful fresh flavor. Sauté everything together until the veggies reach the desired tenderness.
For a more substantial dish, stir in cooked rice or pasta right before serving. This one-pan meal is jam-packed with flavor, filling enough for any appetite, and a great way to incorporate more vegetables. The Italian chicken sausage also adds lots of taste and makes it a healthier alternative.(2)
Recipe Ideas
Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta
You Need:
- 12 oz Italian chicken sausage, removed from casing
- 10 oz pasta like farfalle or penne
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make It:
Getting started with this delicious pasta dish is easy. Just gather a few simple ingredients and follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Give it a stir every so often so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into bite-size pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it well and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt down until incorporated.
- Serve the pasta warm in bowls with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top. The crispy sausage, rich tomato cream sauce, and fresh spinach make this dish absolutely delicious. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Enjoy!
Italian Chicken Sausage Skillet
You Need:
- 4 sweet Italian chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup instant rice
How to Make It:
This easy one-pan skillet dinner comes together in under 30 minutes. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausages. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until browned.
- Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Next, stir in the diced zucchini and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini is fork-tender.
- Add the instant rice along with a can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Give everything a stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, until rice is cooked through.
- Remove lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
This easy skillet dinner is loaded with flavor and color. The sausages, veggies, and rice make it a complete meal in one. Serve hot and enjoy this tasty dinner any night of the week!
Tips for Using Italian Chicken Sausage
- Fun Flavors: One fun thing about Italian chicken sausage is you can add different sauces or spices! If you want a fresh, herby taste, try pesto! Mix it in while cooking for a burst of yummy flavor. Or if you like creamy sauces, add Alfredo. This makes your dish rich and thick.
You can also use spices like red pepper flakes for heat or Italian herbs like oregano and basil to make new flavors. Trying different sauces and spices lets you make exciting new meals each time!
- Healthy Choice: Choosing Italian chicken sausage is smart if you want to eat healthier. Compared to pork sausage, it often has less fat and calories. So you can enjoy tasty food without worrying as much about your health. It gives you protein to build strong muscles. And since it tastes so good, you won’t miss out on flavor. You can feel good serving it to your family.
- Saving Leftovers: Knowing how to save leftover cooked Italian chicken sausage can help reduce waste and save time later! After cooking, let the sausage cool to room temperature. Once cool, put it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay fresh for up to four days – perfect for meal prepping or lunch leftovers! If you want to save it even longer, try freezing it. Wrap the sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing in a bag.
They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat and enjoy! Saving leftovers makes planning meals easy and convenient!
Conclusion
Italian chicken sausage is a yummy and healthier way to cook! It can be used in all kinds of dishes like sautéing, pasta, or grilling. With the tips and recipes shared here, anyone can make tasty meals with this sausage. Just add fun flavors using sauces, spices, veggies or grains. Grilling gives it a smoky taste that’s perfect for outdoor eating. Italian chicken sausage is easy to cook and good for you. So try it in your next meal for a flavorful dish the whole family will love!x
FAQ
How can I use Italian chicken sausage in a low carb or gluten free recipe?
Feel free to use Italian chicken sausage in low carb or gluten free dishes like a skillet meal with avocado oil, baby spinach, and crushed red pepper. You can also try a sheet pan dinner with sausage, bell pepper, and acorn squash. Both are delicious and healthy options.
What’s the best way to cook Italian chicken sausage for a quick minute meal?
For a fast dinner, cook Italian chicken sausage in a stove top skillet until fully cooked and browned bits form. Add sliced red peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Reduce heat, toss in white beans, and finish with fresh basil for a flavorful main dish.
Can I use Italian chicken sausage in meal prep or make-ahead meals?
Absolutely! For meal prep, pair sausage with brown rice and roasted red pepper mix in a large bowl. You can also use cooked sausage in pasta recipes or instant pot soups like potato soup. These options make excellent make-ahead meals for busy weeks.
How do I make a creamy pan sauce with Italian chicken sausage?
To make a creamy pan sauce, cook sliced sausage in a dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cloves, then stir in heavy cream. Add black pepper, goat cheese, and white wine for richness. Toss with pasta for a satisfying skillet meal.
Can I cook Italian chicken sausage in an air fryer or other appliances?
Yes, Italian chicken sausage cooks well in an air fryer. Slice the sausage and toss it with bell pepper and a spicy sauce. Cook until crisp tender, about minutes total. You can also prepare it in an instant pot or dutch oven for hearty soups and stews.
References
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/cozy-chicken-sausage-recipes/?srsltid=AfmBOorX_YHAk5dr2cZgI3N3099tKyrtZLAwArGHH5uP83AxvkRXIsX4
- https://thealmondeater.com/spicy-pasta-with-chicken-sausage/
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/italian-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/sweet-italian-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-meals/
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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.
