Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you love a cozy, one-pan meal that tastes like it’s straight from your favorite trattoria, the Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet is about to claim a regular spot on your dinner lineup. This skillet is brimming with tender penne, succulent chicken sausage, heaps of wilted spinach, and plenty of gooey mozzarella — all bubbling together in a bright, garlicky tomato sauce. It’s the kind of homestyle comfort food you crave on busy weeknights or easygoing weekends alike!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet is how it transforms simple pantry staples and fresh greens into something special. Each ingredient truly has a purpose here — nothing complicated, just flavorful building blocks that come together in a hearty, vibrant meal.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness to both the sauce and skillet, gently sautéing onions and sausage with a golden touch.
• Red Onions: Their sweetness deepens as they caramelize, creating a flavorful base for the marinara.
• Garlic: Just two cloves pack layers of aromatic flavor — don’t skimp!
• Crushed Tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce, bursting with bright tomato flavor.
• Honey or Sugar: A splash balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the marinara.
• Fresh Parsley & Basil: These herbs add verdant color and a classic Italian aroma.
• Dried Oregano: Earthy, bold, and perfect for deepening the savory notes.
• Penne Pasta: The ideal shape for holding sauce and cheese in every forkful.
• Chicken Sausage: Mild, smoky, or spicy — your favorite sausage brings protein and lots of juicy flavor.
• Baby Spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce, boosting nutrition without fuss.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts on top for an irresistibly gooey finish that ties it all together.
• Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Brightens up the finished skillet with a fresh touch.

Variations

The Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet is just begging to be customized — and it’s so simple to make it your own! Swap out proteins, sneak in extra veg, or choose your favorite pasta shape. It’s truly a dinner that can flex for any household’s tastes and needs.

• Use Turkey or Pork Sausage: Not a chicken sausage fan? Try turkey for leaner meat or opt for traditional Italian pork sausage for classic flavor.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini — just cook al dente so it won’t get mushy in the sauce.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free shreds, or simply skip the cheese and stir in a spoonful of plant-based pesto before serving.
• Extra Vegetables: Toss in mushrooms, roasted peppers, or zucchini for even more color and texture in your skillet.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Make the Marinara Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan. Sauté the chopped red onions until they’re beautifully soft and translucent, then add in your minced garlic — the kitchen will smell incredible within seconds! Pour in your crushed tomatoes and let the sauce come to a lively simmer. After several minutes, finish by stirring in honey, fresh herbs, and oregano, letting those flavors meld before you season with salt to taste. (Shortcut: a good-quality store-bought marinara works in a pinch!)

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne until just al dente — usually 7 to 9 minutes. Drain immediately and give it a quick rinse under cold water so it doesn’t get sticky while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage and Spinach

Heat more olive oil in the same large skillet and toss in the chicken sausage pieces. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Add your rich tomato sauce and let them mingle for a minute, then fold in big handfuls of baby spinach. It wilts down rapidly, adding luscious texture and popping color to the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Tip in the drained pasta, stirring until every piece is coated with the savory sauce and sausage. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously across the top, then transfer the whole skillet to a preheated oven. Bake until the cheese is melty, bubbling, and just a little golden brown at the edges — about 10 to 12 minutes. If you’re in a rush, just stir the cheese into the hot pasta on the stove and let it melt before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by showering your Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet with chopped fresh parsley and a good crack of black pepper. Serve it up hot, gooey, and fragrant right from the skillet — comfort food doesn’t get better than this!

How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only makes the Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet pop visually, but also adds a grassy brightness to each bite. Try a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a few ribbons of basil if you’re feeling fancy. Even a drizzle of robust extra-virgin olive oil just before serving takes it over the top!

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough for a meal on its own, but a crunchy mixed green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli makes the perfect companion. Crusty bread or garlic knots are a no-brainer for mopping up any extra sauce, turning dinner into a true Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet directly from your gorgeous oven-to-table skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe — it makes weeknight dinner feel special! For parties, scoop portions into ramekins, top each with extra cheese, and let guests dig into their own bubbly, cheesy mini skillet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up beautifully for up to four days — perfect for stress-free lunches and quick-pick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This pasta skillet is also freezer-friendly! Portion cooled servings into freezer-safe containers, seal well, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating — it’s a meal-prepper’s dream come true.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover pasta in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each to keep the cheese melty and the sauce evenly heated. If things look a bit dry, a splash of water or broth before reheating does the trick.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both low-effort and high comfort, give this Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet a place at your table. It’s easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles with every cheesy, saucy forkful. You’re going to love sharing (and eating!) this one — go ahead and make it tonight!

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