Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Comfort food at its best! This Creamy chicken sausage Pasta features spicy chicken sausage in a rich tomato cream sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that can impress guests or simply make a busy weeknight easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This creamy chicken sausage pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spicy chicken sausage, garlic, and rich cream creates a mouthwatering dish that satisfies your taste buds.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for family or friends, this recipe adapts to various occasions and preferences.
• Budget-friendly: Made with easily accessible ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank while delivering delicious flavors.
• Beginner-friendly: Perfect for cooking novices, this recipe provides straightforward steps to ensure success every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and prepare your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken sausage and blending of flavors without overcrowding.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Using a large pot ensures the rigatoni cooks evenly, achieving that perfect al dente texture.

Ingredients

To make this amazing creamy chicken sausage pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta

• 14 ounces rigatoni

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 11 ounces spicy chicken sausage
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¾ cup heavy cream

For Garnish

• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

How to Make Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get your prep done before you start cooking:
1. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
3. Remove casings from the chicken sausages and cut them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

Boil rigatoni in generously salted water until al dente. Drain when ready, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken Sausage

Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chicken sausage pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add tomato paste to the skillet with the cooked sausage and garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until combined. Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper. Then pour in heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Reduce heat to low, then stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Toss in cooked rigatoni along with ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Mix well to coat all pasta evenly with sauce. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Finish off with chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy chicken sausage pasta!

How to Serve Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Creamy chicken sausage pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will make your meal even more delightful.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a delicious addition to soak up the sauce.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Offer ciabatta rolls to complement the pasta’s richness while providing a satisfying crunch.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispness and tanginess, balancing the creamy texture of the pasta.
• Mixed Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.

Serve with Wine Alternatives

• Sparkling Water: Opt for sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing drink that cleanses the palate.
• Fruit Juice Spritzer: Combine fruit juice with soda water for a light and fruity beverage to accompany your meal.

How to Perfect Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Achieving the perfect creamy chicken sausage pasta is all about technique and timing. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken sausage enhance flavor and aroma.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cook rigatoni until al dente; overcooked pasta can become mushy in the sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water until desired creaminess is reached.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for varied texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

To create a well-rounded meal, pairing creamy chicken sausage pasta with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent side options:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Mix seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots tossed in garlic and olive oil, then roast until tender.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze add freshness to your meal.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides crunch and nutritional value while balancing the richness of the pasta.
4. Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction for a refreshing Italian-inspired side.
5. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and assorted cheeses for variety.
6. Minestrone Soup: A warm bowl of minestrone soup offers hearty ingredients that complement the flavors of creamy chicken sausage pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy chicken sausage Pasta, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong pasta shape: Not all pasta shapes hold sauce equally. Choose rigatoni or another tube-shaped pasta for better sauce adherence.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water: The reserved cooking water adds needed moisture and helps bind the sauce. Always save a cup before draining.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your dish before serving. Adding more salt or pepper at the end can elevate flavors significantly.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness. Don’t skip this step; sprinkle them on just before serving for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning out individual servings for easy reheating.

Reheating Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1–2 minutes, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of reserved pasta water and reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Creamy chicken sausage Pasta that might help you out.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can swap spicy chicken sausage for turkey or beef sausage based on your preference.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and omit Parmesan cheese.

What can I serve with Creamy chicken sausage Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

How do I customize the spice level?

Adjust the spice level by choosing milder or spicier sausages, or adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Creamy chicken sausage Pasta is not only quick and satisfying but also versatile. You can easily customize it by changing the proteins or adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Give it a try tonight!