Description
This chicken sausage pasta recipe is quick, healthy, and packed with savory flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner loaded with protein, vegetables, and customizable ingredients. Ideal for families, meal prep, or cozy comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or gluten-free) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 package (10–12 oz) chicken sausage, sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups baby spinach 3 garlic cloves, minced Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional) Optional: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, zest or juice of half a lemon, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook 4–5 minutes until golden. 3. Add bell pepper and zucchini. Sauté 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. 4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and garlic. Cook another 1–2 minutes. 5. Add spinach and a splash of pasta water. Stir until wilted. 6. Add cooked pasta to skillet. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice or sun-dried tomatoes if using. 7. Top with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Use fully cooked chicken sausage for convenience. Reserve pasta water to help create a light sauce. Don’t overcook vegetables to maintain texture. Feel free to substitute with turkey or vegetarian sausage. Pairs well with side salads or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken sausage pasta, chicken Polish sausage recipes, healthy chicken sausage dinner, sweet chicken sausage recipes, dinner ideas with turkey sausage