Whip up a quick and flavorful Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet tonight, perfect for a delicious, easy dinner in under 30 minutes! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken sausage with perfectly cooked pasta and a medley of colorful veggies, tossed in a savory sauce that bursts with bold flavors. It’s an effortless weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet homemade, bringing comfort and satisfaction all in one dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy preparation: Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single skillet.
Flavor-packed: Juicy chicken sausage and a rich sauce create layers of irresistible taste.
Flexible ingredients: Easily adapt to what’s in your fridge or dietary preferences.
Family-friendly: Appeals to kids and adults alike with a balanced, hearty meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple ensures the Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet stays approachable without sacrificing flavor. Each element plays a key role – from the protein-packed sausage to the fresh, vibrant veggies adding texture and color.

Chicken sausage: Choose your favorite flavor for juicy, protein-rich bites.
Pasta: Opt for penne or rotini as they hold sauce well and cook evenly.
Bell peppers: Bring crunch and sweetness with red or yellow varieties.
Garlic and onions: The aromatic base that builds depth in the dish.
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce: Adds tangy richness to coat the pasta.
Spinach or kale: Sneak in some greens for extra nutrients and color.
Olive oil: For sautéing and that smooth finish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Optional, but a sprinkle adds a creamy, salty finish.

Variations for Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

This recipe welcomes customization, making it easy to tweak based on what you have, dietary needs, or flavor cravings. Try these variations to keep your dinners exciting and personalized.

Vegetarian version: Swap chicken sausage for plant-based sausages or extra mushrooms for umami flavor.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or choose spicy chicken sausage for a heat kick.
Cheese upgrade: Stir in mozzarella or fontina for a gooey, melty finish.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage for gluten content to suit dietary restrictions.
Extra veggies: Toss in zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for more nutrient power.

Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet for Dinner

How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Prep your ingredients

Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and chop bell peppers, garlic, and onions. Have your pasta measured and ready to cook.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté sausage and veggies

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened, then toss in bell peppers and cook until tender.

Step 4: Combine sauce and pasta

Return the sausage to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Add pasta and greens

Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, folding in spinach or kale until wilted and everything is well coated with sauce.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, give everything a final stir, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

Use fresh sausage: Fresh chicken sausage ensures juicy and flavorful meat throughout the dish.
Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercook to avoid mushiness when simmering with sauce.
Layer your flavors: Sauté aromatics before adding sauce for deeper complexity.
Deglaze the pan: Use a splash of white wine or broth to lift browned bits from the skillet for extra richness.
Finish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle basil or parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes add beautiful flavor and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully, balancing the hearty skillet with fresh, crunchy elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skillet directly in individual bowls or family-style for a cozy dinner vibe, or transfer into ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors intact and ready for a quick meal.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out the pasta and sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausages work well and will give the dish different but delicious flavors.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage or sauce does not contain gluten ingredients.

How spicy is the Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet?

The level of spice depends on the sausage you choose; mild sausages keep it gentle, while spicy versions add a nice kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative and this dish remains creamy and satisfying.

How long does the Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet keep?

Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 3 days, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet is a total game-changer for quick weeknight meals, delivering hearty, satisfying flavor with minimum fuss. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—your new favorite comfort food, made easy.

Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

Print Recipe

Whip up a quick and flavorful Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet, a one-pan dinner ready in under 30 minutes featuring tender chicken sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a colorful mix of veggies tossed in a savory Italian-inspired sauce. This easy, family-friendly meal offers a comforting balance of textures and rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Barbara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Flexible (Gluten Free option available)

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

8 oz penne or rotini pasta

Vegetables

1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red or yellow)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups spinach or kale

Sauces and Oils

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings and Cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prep your ingredients: Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and chop bell peppers, garlic, and onions. Measure out the pasta.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté sausage and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, then add the bell peppers and cook until tender.
Combine sauce and pasta: Return the sausage to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add pasta and greens: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, folding in the spinach or kale until wilted and everything is well coated with sauce.
Finish and serve: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, give everything a final stir, and serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh chicken sausage for juicier and more flavorful meat.
Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Sauté aromatics first to build deeper flavor layers.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or broth to capture browned bits for extra richness.
Finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Chicken sausage pasta, one-pan dinner, quick pasta skillet, easy weeknight meal, Italian pasta recipe, healthy pasta skillet, family-friendly dinner, gluten-free pasta skillet