Chicken Sausage Pasta

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This Chicken Sausage Pasta dish is booming with flavor. Mixed with an aroma of fresh herbs and topped with parmesan cheese. This dish is an easy and healthy weeknight dinner idea! The best part is it's done in under 30 minutes!

Chicken sausage and pasta in a cast iron skillet with garlic, onion, and baby spinach in a creamy sauce with a wooden slotted spoon on the side.

Don't we all need a little carbs in our life? I really do try my best not to have too many carbs during the week, but my weekends are a whole other story. This dish is super creamy and flavorful and is a nice Sunday dinner treat.

So, don't get me wrong! I eat carbs during the week, but I just try to limit them. When I do eat my carbs I always make sure they are whole wheat.

If you are looking for other yummy pasta dishes to try you need to try my Creamy Mushroom Pasta and Creamy Cucumber, Tomato, and Chickpea Pasta Salad!

Ingredients for this meal
How to make chicken sausage pasta
Substitutions
Why chicken sausage over regular sausage
What to serve pasta in
How can the kids help
Tips and FAQ's
Other pasta dishes to try

Ingredients for this meal

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this meal!

A birds-eye view of all the ingredients needed for this yummy meal with labels included. — Ingredients for this dish!

whole wheat pasta - I used rigatoni for my dish, but feel free to use any type of pasta you desire. I've listed some options under substitutions below.
olive oil - I use olive oil to saute the veggies and sear the chicken sausage.
chicken sausage - feel free to use any flavor you like the best with your chicken sausage. I LOVE sweet Italian!
mushrooms - sliced into pieces, I like buying the mushrooms already sliced because it makes my life easier. I usually opt for sliced white mushrooms.
onion - diced into small pieces
minced garlic - my favorite way to cut corners is to use already minced garlic. This is the brand that is a staple in my kitchen. Spice World's Organic Minced Garlic!
dry white wine - one of my favorite ingredients to use when making a sauce because when it's cooking it smells absolutely divine and my taste buds start dancing 😉
low-sodium chicken stock - I always prefer using low-sodium when choosing my chicken stock because then you can adjust the salt level yourself!
heavy cream - this is the ingredient you can't leave out! Heavy cream is what makes your sauce creamy and delicious!
parmesan cheese - freshly grated, I use this ingredient to top off your final product!
baby spinach - I like adding in extra veggies, especially spinach. It's high in fiber and packed with nutrients.
fresh parsley - optional to have extra for garnish

How to make chicken sausage pasta

Step-by-Step directions on how to make this flavorful and easy pasta dish!

Step 1 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously season with salt. Cook pasta for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and reserve ½ cup pasta water and set aside.

Step 2 - In a large cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet set over medium heat, drizzle about 1 tbsp of olive oil, and sear chicken sausage until cooked through. Transfer to cutting board and cut into ¼" slices. Set aside.

Steps 1 and 2 of the cooking process. Step 1 is boiling pasta then draining it in colander and step 2 is searing and slicing chickens sausage. — Steps 1 and 2

Step 3 - In the same skillet add 1 tbsp. oil and spread out mushrooms evenly in the pan; cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4 - Add onions and garlic and cook until softened about 3 to 4 minutes.

Steps 3 and 4 in the cooking process. Step 3 is cooking mushrooms in a pan and step 4 is adding in garlic and onion. — Steps 3 and 4

Step 5 - Add wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream; simmer until slightly thickened and reduced. About 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 6 - Toss sausage back in with any leftover juices. Add spinach and mix to combine. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Steps 5 and 6 in the cooking process. Step 5 is adding into the pan wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream and step 6 is adding in the cooked chicken sausage and baby spinach. — Steps 5 and 6

Step 7 - Add the cooked pasta and mix well to combine. Add additional pasta water in increments as needed if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8 - Top with parmesan and parsley and serve!

Substitutions

Here are some swap ideas you can use in case you don't have all the ingredients I mentioned on hand.

Whole Wheat Rigatoni - here the possibilities are endless. You don't have to use whole wheat or rigatoni. I have used regular white pasta or chickpea pasta, but you can use any kind you enjoy. As for the type of noodles; some options to try are angel hair, bow tie, penne, fettuccine, linguine, macaroni, rotini, and the list goes on.

Olive Oil - I usually always have extra virgin olive oil on hand or avocado oil. For searing and sauteing you want an oil that has a lower smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil is good for that or canola oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil.

Mushrooms - I usually use white mushrooms or Bella mushrooms, but you can also try crimini or shiitake.

Low-Sodium Chicken Stock - you don't have to use low-sodium, but it's what I prefer. You can use basic chicken broth here instead.

Why chicken sausage over regular sausage

The difference in the number of calories doesn't even compare. Regular sausage has 290-455 calories and 23-38 grams of fat per link. Turkey and chicken sausage only have 140-160 calories and 7-10 grams of fat for the same amount.

The amount of sodium is also way less. I also believe chicken sausage tastes way better, in my opinion. My family agrees too!

A close up of chicken sausage and pasta in a cast iron skillet with garlic, onion,and baby spinach.

What to serve pasta in

Every time I make pasta I put it in my giant pasta bowl and use the matching bowls. It is one of my favorite things to pull out of the cabinets to use. I don't believe my exact ones are made anymore, but I've linked some that I think are super cute below.

How can the kids help

I love to cook with my kids! They love to cook with me 🙂 It's a fun activity that we can bond over and do together. Here are some great ways to include your child in making this meal with you.

Teach them how to measure out all the ingredients - fun math activity!
Teach them the basics of how to cook pasta - boil water, add pasta, cook for 8 minutes, and drain in a colander!
Using the hand-over-hand method, help them slice the cooked chicken sausage.

Tips and FAQ's

How to sear chicken sausage?

Searing is a cooking technique that requires a high heat temperature and when cooking ingredients it creates a crisp browning on the outside. When your chicken sausage is brownish on the outside, that means it is seared.

How to store this pasta dish?

Store your pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also store this dish in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you decide to freeze it I recommend pouring it into freezer bags after it has already cooled.

Want some extra flavor?

Before serving sprinkle on some fresh basil or oregano for an added burst of flavor and color!

Chicken sausage and pasta in a cast iron skillet with garlic, onion, and baby spinach with a wooden spoon slotted in the side.

Other pasta dishes to try

If you give this dish a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!