Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet
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)
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
- 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