Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Picture this: the rich, hearty aroma of Italian chicken sausage sizzling in olive oil fills your kitchen, mingling with the sweet tang of marinara sauce and the comforting creaminess of butter and cream. As you toss plump peas and perfectly al dente pasta into the velvety sauce, the steam wafts gently upward, teasing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation. This Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe is not just a meal—it’s a warm, satisfying hug on a plate, ready in just 25 minutes to impress your whole family or a special guest.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

• Ready in 25 minutes: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to slave over the stove.
• Uses simple ingredients: With pantry staples and fresh sausage, this recipe is approachable for everyone.
• Perfect for beginners: Easy to follow with straightforward steps that guarantee fantastic results every time.
• Impressive presentation: Creamy sauce with vibrant peas and golden seared sausage makes this dish look as incredible as it tastes.
• Customizable: Spice it up with red pepper flakes or swap in your favorite pasta shape for a fun twist.

Why This Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe Works

This Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe masterfully balances robust flavors and creamy textures. The secret lies in searing the chicken sausage first to lock in those savory juices and develop a beautiful caramelized crust. Next, the combination of marinara sauce with a splash of milk and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that clings so luxuriously to every strand of pasta. Adding frozen peas not only bursts with color but introduces a fresh pop that brightens the dish. It’s these key techniques and carefully chosen ingredients that make this recipe such a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, ensuring that every bite sings with authentic Italian-inspired goodness.

• 12 oz. pasta: Choose your favorite—penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti—all work beautifully.
• 2 links chicken sausage: Adds savory, spiced flavor as the star protein, Italian-style preferred.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and building flavor.
• 1 tbsp butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and a velvety finish.
• 1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
• 24 oz. marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for the freshest taste.
• 1/2 cup milk: Any kind works, adding creaminess without heaviness.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: For indulgent smoothness.
• 2 cups frozen peas: Adds sweetness and a burst of color.
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick, adjustable to your heat preference.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• 1/2 cup parmesan (optional): Adds nutty richness and ties the dish together.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Chicken sausage: Swap for turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
• Heavy cream: Use full-fat coconut milk or evaporated milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Pasta: Whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta are wonderful substitutes to suit dietary needs.
• Frozen peas: Fresh peas or chopped asparagus can be delightful seasonal swaps.

How to Make Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a half cup of pasta water for later use, then set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Salt your water generously—it seasons the pasta from the inside out!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Sausage

Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the sausage sit undisturbed a couple of minutes before flipping to get a gorgeous caramelized crust.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Add Butter

Push the sausage to the side, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden—this step builds the sauce’s base flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic—it turns bitter fast!

Step 4: Add the Creamy Marinara Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine until smooth and creamy.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your perfect consistency.

Step 5: Stir in Peas and Red Pepper Flakes

Add the frozen peas and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender but still vibrant.

💡 Pro Tip: Use frozen peas straight from the freezer to keep their sweet flavor intact.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Combine Pasta

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every bite in that luscious sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra parmesan for that perfect final touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking pasta: Ends up mushy and loses its bite. Always aim for al dente.
• Skipping browning the sausage: You lose that rich caramelized flavor that makes this dish stand out.
• Burning the garlic: It can make your sauce taste bitter and unpleasant.
• Not seasoning properly: Salt and pepper are key to rounding out the flavors.
• Adding too much red pepper flakes at once: It’s easier to add more heat gradually than to fix an overly spicy sauce.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water: You might struggle to get the sauce to the perfect silky texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version of this Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe, why not shake things up with these tasty twists?

Spinach and Mushroom Addition

Stir in fresh spinach and sautéed mushrooms along with the peas for an earthy, nutrient-packed boost.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra tangy and slightly sweet flavor layer.

Spicy Arrabbiata Kick

Double the red pepper flakes and add a splash of chili oil for a fiery, bold version that will awaken your taste buds.

Cheesy Four-Cheese Blend

Mix parmesan with mozzarella, asiago, and pecorino romano for an indulgently rich cheese explosion.

Gluten-Free Pasta

Simply swap your usual pasta with gluten-free penne or fusilli and enjoy the same creamy goodness.

Fresh Basil and Lemon Zest

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil and bright lemon zest for a fresh, spring-like flair.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil add color and extra flavor punches. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil brings a lovely sheen and depth.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic bread slathered in herbs perfectly complement this creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus add freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta family-style in a beautiful shallow bowl decorated with bright pea shoots or edible flowers. For a romantic dinner, plate individual servings with a delicate parmesan crisp on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover pasta completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well—transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! Pork sausage or even chorizo can add a new dimension of flavor. Just adjust spices accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or other plant-based creams, and skip or use a vegan parmesan alternative.

What pasta works best in this recipe?

Penne or rigatoni are fantastic because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but any pasta will do!

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini all pair wonderfully in this dish.

How spicy is the dish with 1 tsp red pepper flakes?

It provides a gentle heat that doesn’t overpower. Adjust to your taste by adding more or less.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to prevent pasta from sticking?

Add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water and stir frequently during cooking.

Is parmesan cheese necessary?

Not necessary but highly recommended—it enriches the sauce with a savory, nutty flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy pasta dish that feels both hearty and indulgent without any fuss. This Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes with its blend of savory sausage, vibrant peas, and rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a busy day or hosting friends looking for a taste of Italy, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Have you tried this Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍝

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