Description
This Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. Made with juicy chicken sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a rich marinara-based sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds (Italian-style recommended)
Sauce & Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Veggies & Dairy:
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Sausage
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Pour in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Stir in spinach and let it wilt.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
- Stir in crumbled goat cheese (if using) for a creamy finish.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the goat cheese and Parmesan, or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Add More Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans.
- Spice Level: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce if you love extra heat.
- Pasta Choices: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best, but feel free to use spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg