Chicken and Sausage Pasta: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal

If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, this Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a perfect choice. With juicy chicken breasts, savory kielbasa sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish delivers a rich and comforting meal that will please your entire family. The addition of fresh baby spinach gives the dish a burst of color and nutrients, making it as healthy as it is delicious.

What makes this Chicken and Sausage Pasta special is its balance of flavors. The smokiness of the kielbasa pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have a filling and satisfying meal in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy dinner for two, this pasta recipe is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Satisfying

With a combination of chicken, sausage, and pasta, this dish is both filling and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.

2. Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to cook.

3. Flavor-Packed

The mix of chicken, kielbasa sausage, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

4. One-Pan Wonder

This dish is made in one skillet, which means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your meal.

5. Customizable

You can easily add extra vegetables or switch up the proteins to suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s a great base for creating variations.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, sliced
• Kielbasa sausage
• Baby spinach
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Penne pasta
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Variations

1. Add Extra Vegetables

For added nutrition, toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the spinach. These will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

2. Swap the Protein

Feel free to substitute the chicken breasts with turkey breast or even ground chicken. You can also try other sausages such as Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

3. Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy kielbasa sausage.

4. Dairy-Free Option

To make the recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese.

5. Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free option, simply swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. It will work just as well in this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the kielbasa sausage, cooking until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add salt and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and sausage back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked, so be sure to check for doneness and remove the chicken from the pan once it’s no longer pink in the center.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the dish a much more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
• Cream Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic to give the dish an extra kick.

How to Serve

This Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A slice of warm garlic bread or a crispy baguette will help soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Freezing

This pasta dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra cream or pasta water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to use any type of sausage you like, such as Italian sausage or chicken sausage, depending on your preference.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and the sauce ahead of time and combine everything right before serving.

3. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne is just a suggestion—feel free to use fusilli, rigatoni, or any other pasta you prefer.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a spicy sausage variety to the recipe.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and sausage and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure to stir the sauce over low heat and add the parmesan gradually to ensure it melts smoothly into the cream.

9. Can I use a non-dairy cream alternative?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream to make this dish dairy-free.

10. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the skillet.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The added spinach gives the dish a nutritious boost, making it as balanced as it is delicious. Quick, customizable, and utterly delicious, this pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Print