Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Delight

$Here’s what you need for the creamy one-pot chicken sausage pasta. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the dish tasty and satisfying. - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient brings unique flavor and texture. The penne pasta provides a perfect base, while the chicken sausage offers a savory kick. Garlic adds depth, and the bell pepper and zucchini bring fresh crunch. Chicken broth gives the dish richness, while heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create that creamy goodness we all crave. Seasoning with Italian herbs enhances the overall taste. Don't forget the fresh basil; it adds a lovely finish to your meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add the sliced chicken sausage and let it brown for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step gives the sausage a nice color and flavor. Now, it’s time to bring in fresh flavors. Incorporate the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced zucchini into the pot. Sauté these for around 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften. The garlic will smell amazing as it cooks! Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Give it a good stir to mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid to be absorbed. After cooking, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your creamy one-pot chicken sausage pasta! - Choosing the right cream and cheese Use heavy cream for rich flavor. It thickens the sauce perfectly. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty bite. You can mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture. - Adjusting pasta cooking time for desired texture Keep an eye on the pasta. Cook it al dente for a slight bite. If you want softer pasta, add a few extra minutes. Stir often to avoid sticking. - Adding herbs or spices for extra flavor Fresh basil kicks up the taste. You can add oregano or thyme for depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat. - Suggestions for incorporating vegetables Feel free to add more veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli work well. Just toss them in when you add the other veggies. It makes the dish colorful and healthy. Pro Tips Cook Pasta al Dente: Ensuring the penne pasta is cooked al dente will help it hold its shape and texture, providing a perfect bite in the creamy sauce. Use Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality chicken sausage for a richer flavor. You can experiment with different types, such as spicy or garlic-infused. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Fresh Herbs Matter: Garnishing with fresh basil not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or oregano! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. If you want a lighter option, try turkey sausage. Turkey sausage has less fat but still offers great flavor. For a meat-free choice, use tofu. Just cube it and sauté until golden. You can also swap in shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Another option is to use chicken breasts. Cook and cube them before adding to the pot. The pasta you choose can change the dish's vibe. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free penne. There are many brands that taste great and hold up well in sauce. You can also explore different pasta shapes like fusilli or bowties. Each shape holds sauce differently, offering a new experience. The cream sauce is where you can really get creative. Consider trying different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a rich and creamy sauce. If you want a twist, add tomato sauce to make a rosé version. This will give your dish a beautiful color and a nice tang. To keep your creamy one-pot chicken sausage pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Place the container in the fridge after the dish cools down. Your pasta will last up to three days in the fridge. When you want to enjoy leftovers, heat them gently to keep the creamy texture. The best method is to use the stove. Place the pasta in a pot with a splash of water or broth. Stir often over low heat until heated through. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming on the stove. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This helps save time on busy days. You can use turkey sausage or pork sausage as a substitute. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or veggie sausage. Both options will add flavor while keeping the dish hearty. Yes, this pasta dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove. To add some heat, include red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. Stir them in with the garlic. You can also use a spicy chicken sausage for more flavor. Adjust the spice level to your liking. Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them when you sauté the other veggies. This not only boosts nutrition but also enhances the dish's flavor and color. This recipe gives you a simple, creamy one-pot meal that tastes great. You learned how to cook the chicken sausage, sauté veggies, and perfect your pasta. I shared tips for creaminess and flavor. You can even switch protein or pasta types for variety. For leftovers, storage and reheating tips help keep your meal fresh. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to experiment! Happy eating!$

Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken sausage and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
1 zucchini sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced zucchini. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in a creamy sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or spices to taste.

Keyword chicken sausage, creamy, easy, pasta