Name: Easy Chicken and Beef Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces; 1 pound beef sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 3 cups fresh baby spinach; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 8 ounces penne pasta; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that warms you from the inside out and brings a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re craving something deeply satisfying, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up, then you’ve landed in the right place. What is it about this particular combination that has captured so many hearts and taste buds? Perhaps it’s the savory richness of the sausage mingling with the tender, juicy chicken, all coated in a luscious, irresistible sauce. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a celebration of simple, honest ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. The beauty of this Chicken and Sausage Pasta lies in its versatility and its ability to transform humble components into a restaurant-worthy meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
3 cups fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons extra virgin extract olive oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
8 ounces penne pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Preparing the Pasta and Protein

Cook the Penne Pastagin extractgin extractBegin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 8 ounces of penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, ensuring it reaches an al dente texture – tender but still with a slight bite. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.

Sear the Kielbasa Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. This searing process not only develops flavor but also renders out some of the fat from the sausage. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Sauté the Chicken

Add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet with the rendered kielbasa fat. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steams. Season the chicken with half of the salt (1/4 teaspoon) and half of the black pepper (1/8 teaspoon). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the sausage.

Building the Flavorful Sauce

Aromatics and Deglazing

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits left from cooking the sausage and chicken. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.

Creating the Creamy Sauce Base

Once the bottom of the pan has been deglazed, pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir the cream into the garlic and deglazed bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken. Season the sauce with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

Combining and Finishing

Adding the Greens and Proteins

Return the seared kielbasa sausage and cooked chicken to the skillet with the simmering cream sauce. Stir to combine and allow them to heat through for about 2 minutes. Add the 3 cups of baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down into the sauce. This usually only takes a minute or two. The residual heat from the sauce will be enough to wilt the spinach perfectly.

Incorporating the Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated into the sauce, making it even richer and more delicious. Serve immediately, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire it.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly delightful and satisfying Chicken and Sausage Pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions! This recipe is a wonderful testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. We’ve covered the essential steps to creating a creamy, savory sauce that beautifully coats tender chicken and flavorful sausage, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions – a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a generous grating of Parmesan cheese can elevate this dish even further. Remember, the beauty of this Chicken and Sausage Pasta lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, vegetables, or even herbs to make it your own.

I truly hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, savoring this incredible Chicken and Sausage Pasta. It’s a dish designed to bring people together around the table, so gather your loved ones and dive in!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chicken and Sausage Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately and then combine them just before serving. For best results, reheat the sauce gently and then toss with freshly cooked pasta. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy if it sits in the sauce for too long.

What are some good vegetable additions to this pasta?

There are many delicious options! Sautéed spinach or knon-alcoholic ale wilted into the sauce, roasted bell peppers, or even some fresh peas added in the last few minutes of cooking can all be fantastic additions. Mushrooms are also a classic pairing with chicken and sausage.