Simplify your weeknight cooking with this incredibly delicious and hearty Chicken Sausage Pasta recipe. Featuring succulent chicken sausage, vibrant brussels sprouts, and perfectly al dente pasta, all tossed in a rich, savory white wine sauce, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind This Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Pasta
- Essential Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Pasta
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta
- Easy Swaps and Customizations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- More Irresistible Pasta Recipes
- Full Recipe Card: Chicken Sausage Pasta
The Story Behind This Recipe: A Decade of Deliciousness
As I reflect on over a decade of food blogging, it’s incredible to think about all the recipes shared, tested, and loved. But even more fascinating are the cherished, tried-and-true recipes from my pre-blogging days that have remained culinary secrets—until now!
This Chicken Sausage Pasta recipe is one such gem. I vividly recall the very first version, born from an old Trader Joe’s cookbook (I wonder if those still exist!) featuring their pre-cooked chicken sausage. Back then, my husband, C, and I were living in a different city, navigating weekly grocery runs to Trader Joe’s with a strict budget of just $50 a week. It’s truly astounding to think we managed to prepare all our meals on such a tight budget, especially in today’s economic climate! Recipes like this simple yet profoundly delicious pasta dish were our lifeline, offering comfort and flavor without breaking the bank.
While the original cookbook has long since vanished, the essence of this chicken sausage pasta endures. It’s evolved slightly over the years, adapting to our tastes and kitchen experiments. Now, living in Minnesota with our two children, this recipe continues to be a highlight in our busy weeknight rotation. Our kids adore it, making it a true multi-generational favorite. It’s a testament to good, honest food that transcends time and trends. I genuinely hope this recipe brings as much joy and ease to your table as it has to ours.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Pasta
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Here’s why this Chicken Sausage Pasta will quickly become a staple in your home:
Ready in Just 30 Minutes: Imagine a complete, satisfying meal on the table in half an hour. This recipe is designed for speed without compromising on flavor or nutritional value. It expertly combines lean protein from the chicken sausage, wholesome carbohydrates from the pasta, and essential vitamins from the brussels sprouts, making it a balanced and energizing dinner solution for the busiest of schedules. Forget takeout; this is faster and infinitely more delicious!
Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t find any exotic or hard-to-find items here. This recipe champions simplicity, utilizing pantry staples and fresh produce readily available at any grocery store. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients on hand, including that half-empty bottle of white wine patiently waiting in your fridge – it’s finally found its purpose!
Effortlessly Customizable: The beauty of this chicken sausage pasta lies in its incredible versatility. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity.
- Pasta: Not a fan of penne? Feel free to swap it for your preferred noodle – rigatoni, orecchiette, or even a long strand pasta like fettuccine would work beautifully.
- Vegetables: While brussels sprouts add a delightful nutty crunch, don’t hesitate to incorporate any vegetables you need to use up. Broccoli florets, vibrant bell peppers, tender spinach, or earthy mushrooms are all fantastic additions.
- Dietary Needs: Catering to specific dietary preferences is a breeze. For a gluten-free version, simply opt for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-friendly. This adaptability ensures everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious and comforting meal tailored to their tastes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Sausage Pasta
Crafting this flavorful chicken sausage pasta requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s robust taste and appealing texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Penne Pasta: While penne is our top choice for its ability to hold sauce beautifully, feel free to explore other pasta shapes. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle can offer a delightful variation. Aim for al dente perfection for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base for sautéing your aromatics and vegetables, imparting a subtle fruity note and ensuring even cooking.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots provide a milder, sweeter, and more nuanced onion flavor than traditional onions, adding depth without overpowering the dish. Their delicate nature makes them a perfect complement to the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: This is non-negotiable! Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic kick. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic, which often lacks the vibrant flavor and can sometimes have an off-putting aftertaste.
- Brussels Sprouts: Our preferred vegetable for this recipe, brussels sprouts offer a delightful earthy bitterness and a tender-crisp texture that pairs exceptionally well with the savory chicken sausage. Remember to trim the ends and halve them for optimal cooking and absorption of flavors. If you’re not a fan, consider broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
- Chicken Sausage: The star protein of our dish! Whether you choose sweet Italian chicken sausage for a milder profile or a spicy variety for an added kick, both options work wonderfully. You can use pre-cooked sausage for extra speed or uncooked sausage for a richer flavor development. Look for high-quality brands like Trader Joe’s or Adelle’s for the best results.
- Unsalted Butter: This is the secret to our luscious and creamy white wine sauce. Butter provides richness and helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats every piece of pasta and vegetable.
- Dry White Wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is essential for deglazing the pan and adding a profound depth of flavor that is truly difficult to replicate. Don’t worry about the alcohol content; it cooks off completely, leaving behind only its complex aroma and taste.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This is your liquid gold! Before straining your pasta, make sure to scoop out about half a cup of this starchy, salty water. It’s key for thickening your sauce and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta, while also adding a boost of flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal for stirring into the sauce and for finishing the dish. Its salty, nutty notes enhance the overall umami. Reserve a generous sprinkle for serving!
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Seasoning is crucial to bring out all the flavors. Adjust to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Fresh Parsley: A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, color, and a herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish. A little goes a long way!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta
Creating this satisfying chicken sausage pasta is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
STEP 1: COOK THE PASTA TO PERFECTION
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne works wonderfully here) and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be tender with a slight bite – never mushy. Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is essential for building our rich sauce. Once reserved, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
STEP 2: SAUTÉ VEGGIES AND CHICKEN SAUSAGE
Using the same large pot (to minimize dishes!), heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and minced garlic, cooking for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, introduce the halved brussels sprouts to the pot. Cook with the shallots and garlic for about 2 minutes, allowing them to begin to soften. Place a lid on the pot and let the brussels sprouts steam for an additional 3 minutes; this helps them cook through while retaining some crispness. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the brussels sprouts are tender-crisp to your liking.
Now, add your sliced chicken sausage to the pot with the vegetables. If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, you’re simply heating it through, which takes just a few minutes. If you’re using uncooked sausage, ensure it cooks completely until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. Once cooked, transfer the entire chicken sausage and veggie mixture to a bowl and set it aside, leaving any delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pot – these are crucial for our sauce!
STEP 3: CRAFT THE SAVORY WHITE WINE SAUCE
Return the same pot to medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, pour in the dry white wine. Immediately begin to deglaze the pan by scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This process adds immense depth to your sauce. Stir in the reserved pasta water, along with your salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
Once the sauce has simmered for a few minutes and looks slightly reduced, add your cooked pasta and the chicken sausage and vegetable mixture back into the pot. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the luxurious white wine sauce. Finally, stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and contribute to the sauce’s creaminess. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Easy Swaps & Customizations for Your Chicken Sausage Pasta
One of the best aspects of this chicken sausage pasta is its incredible flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are some simple swaps and additions to tailor the recipe to your preferences:
- Make it Gluten-Free: It’s incredibly simple to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet. Just swap out traditional penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients are already naturally gluten-free.
- Amp Up the Spice: If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage (with the garlic and shallots) or as a garnish at the end will add a delightful kick. You can also opt for spicy chicken sausage from the start.
- Vary the Veggies: Brussels sprouts are fantastic here, but this recipe is a perfect vehicle for almost any vegetable. Try adding steamed broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, sautéed spinach or kale (add at the very end to wilt), mushrooms, or even green peas for a pop of color and sweetness. This is a great way to use up whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
- Change the Protein: While chicken sausage is lean and flavorful, feel free to substitute it with other proteins. Italian turkey sausage, a plant-based sausage alternative, or even browned ground chicken or turkey would work well. For a vegetarian option, consider using a hearty mushroom blend or cannellini beans instead of meat.
- Add a Creamy Touch: For an extra rich and creamy sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the pasta water.
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond parsley, consider fresh basil or thyme for additional aromatic complexity. Add them at the very end to preserve their delicate flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Sausage Pasta
No, it does not. This recipe works perfectly with both pre-cooked and uncooked chicken sausage. If using pre-cooked sausage, you’ll simply heat it through in the pan with the vegetables. If using uncooked sausage, ensure you cook it fully until it’s no longer pink and has reached a safe internal temperature, typically around 165°F (74°C).
For this recipe, I typically don’t remove the casing from the chicken sausage. The casing adds a nice texture and helps the sausage hold its shape. However, if you prefer a softer, more crumbled texture, you can certainly remove the casing and break up the sausage meat as it cooks.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to pasta choices. While penne is excellent, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. Rigatoni, orecchiette, farfalle (bow-tie), or even a spiral pasta like fusilli would work beautifully, as they all hold the sauce well.
A dry white wine is best for this recipe. Good options include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they will alter the savory flavor profile of the sauce. Remember, the alcohol cooks off, leaving only the rich flavor behind.
While this pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers are still delicious! You can prepare the components (cook pasta, cook sausage and veggies, make sauce) and combine them just before serving, or fully assemble and reheat. See our storage instructions for more details.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Sausage Pasta makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the next day. Proper storage ensures its flavors and textures remain delicious.
Refrigerator Instructions: Store any leftover chicken sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave until heated through, or gently warm in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce appears too thick.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, this recipe freezes remarkably well. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow the pasta to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little liquid if needed to loosen the sauce. The pasta may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavors will still be robust.
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes:
If you loved this easy and delicious chicken sausage pasta, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our favorite pasta dishes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Effortless Veggie Pasta Bake (No Boil!)
- Vibrant Kale Pesto Pasta
- Garlicky Lemon Chicken Scampi
- Authentic Easy Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce
- Rich Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Chicken Sausage Pasta
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This simple yet incredibly satisfying Chicken Sausage Pasta recipe is your answer to a delicious, hearty, and quick weeknight dinner. Loaded with juicy chicken sausage, tender brussels sprouts, and al dente pasta, all brought together by a flavorful white wine sauce. It’s truly a family favorite!
- Author: Davida Lederle
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta (or other preferred short pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 lb brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and halved
- 12 ounces chicken sausage (sweet or spicy), sliced into rounds
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In the same large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and minced garlic; cook for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add halved brussels sprouts to the pot. Cook with shallots and garlic for 2 minutes. Cover the pot with a lid and steam brussels sprouts for 3 minutes, then continue cooking until softened to your desired tenderness.
- Add sliced chicken sausage to the pot. Cook until fully heated through (if pre-cooked) or thoroughly cooked and lightly browned (if uncooked).
- Remove the chicken sausage and veggie mixture from the pot and set it aside in a bowl, leaving any browned bits in the pot.
- Add butter to the same pot and allow it to melt over medium heat.
- Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan by scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for a few minutes.
- Return the cooked pasta and the chicken sausage and veggie mixture to the pot. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve immediately, topped with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
