Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe

Pasta is often considered the ultimate comfort food, and when paired with a rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sausage, it becomes a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta brings together the savory flavors of Italian sausage and juicy chicken, enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy evening at home, this dish is guaranteed to please.

In this recipe, we’ll explore every aspect of making this dish—from selecting the best ingredients to creating a perfectly creamy sauce and adding layers of flavor with chicken and sausage. Not only will you get the step-by-step instructions, but we’ll also dive into the history of the dish, nutritional information, helpful tips, and variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel like a pro at making this dish and will be able to customize it to your liking.

Why Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta?

Before jumping into the recipe, let’s take a moment to explore why Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta has become such a popular comfort food dish. There are several reasons why this combination of ingredients and flavors works so well together:

• Balance of flavors: The rich, creamy cheese sauce complements the savory, slightly spicy sausage and tender, juicy chicken. The pasta serves as the perfect vehicle to bring all of these elements together.

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• Heartiness: The addition of both chicken and sausage makes this dish satisfying and filling, offering a balance of lean protein from the chicken and a little extra flavor and fat from the sausage.

• Cheese: Pasta and cheese are a natural pairing, and the mozzarella and Parmesan in this dish create a silky, smooth sauce that envelops every bite.

• Comfort food: At its core, this dish is all about indulgence. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something cozy, rich, and flavorful that feels like a hug in a bowl.

• Versatility: This recipe can easily be adjusted based on personal preferences. You can switch up the meat, adjust the spice level, or even make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken and sausage with plant-based ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to make this Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Once the pasta is al dente (slightly firm to the bite), reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

1. Remove the sausage casings and crumble the sausage meat into small pieces.
2. In the same skillet (no need to wipe it clean), add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
3. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any bits of sausage or chicken that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds a ton of flavor to the sauce.
4. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
2. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to help them melt into the sauce.
3. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well-coated.

Step 6: Serve

1. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
2. Serve immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta

• Pasta Cooking Tip: Be sure to cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce, while al dente pasta holds up better in creamy dishes like this.

• Chicken Tips: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can cut them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier flavor.

• Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it thickens too much, simply add a little more chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.

• Sausage Tips: If you want extra crispy sausage, let it sit in the skillet without stirring for a minute or two before breaking it up. This gives it a chance to get golden brown and crispy on the edges.

• Cheese Tips: For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Variations and Customizations

A. Lightened-Up Version

• Low-Fat Milk: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a low-fat milk option to reduce the richness of the dish.
• Lean Chicken: Use chicken breast or lean turkey sausage for a lighter option.

B. Vegetarian Version

• Vegetarian Sausage: Use plant-based sausage crumbles or even crumbled tempeh as a substitute for the sausage.
• More Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for a vegetable-packed version.

C. Spicy Version

• Spicy Sausage: Opt for spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining the richness of cheese, the heartiness of chicken and sausage, and the satisfying texture of pasta. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory sausage, it’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent.

This recipe is easy to customize, whether you’re looking for a lighter version, a spicier dish, or even a vegetarian option. With helpful tips, variations, and nutritional information, you can easily make this dish your own.

So, go ahead and dive into this cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying pasta. Every bite is a perfect combination of flavors, making it the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Yield: 4-6

Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe

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Pasta is often considered the ultimate comfort food, and when paired with a rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sausage, it becomes a dish that's indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta brings together the savory flavors of Italian sausage and juicy chicken, enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy evening at home, this dish is guaranteed to please.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 sausages (Italian sausage or any preferred variety, casing removed and crumbled)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken and sausage:Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pan. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside with the chicken.
3. Sauté vegetables:In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Create the sauce:Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you like a tomato-based sauce, add the diced tomatoes at this point. Stir in the oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine everything:Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Add the cheese:Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly coated.
7. Serve:Serve the cheesy chicken and sausage pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

• Pasta variations: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Cheese options: For a richer flavor, you can add more cheese like cheddar or fontina. You can also add a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage.
• Vegetable options: You can toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• Make-ahead tip: This dish can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and reheated for an easy meal the next day. Just add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring back the creaminess.