Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that combines the flavors of cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful chicken sausage. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Why This Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Is the Best
- Cheesy and Creamy: The sauce is rich and creamy, coating each piece of pasta and sausage perfectly.
- Flavorful Chicken Sausage: The chicken sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy kick to the dish.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this meal is hearty and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful sausage makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Rigatoni or Ziti: Perfectly shaped pasta for holding the rich sauce and cheese, providing a hearty base for the dish.
- Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage: Adds a savory, flavorful protein with mild Italian seasoning, keeping the dish light yet hearty.
- Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build the flavor base, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Oregano and Thyme: Warm, earthy herbs that bring Italian-inspired flavors, complementing the sausage and tomatoes.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a mild heat to balance the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the main body of the sauce, offering a robust and slightly tangy flavor that coats the pasta.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a creamy, luxurious texture, making the sauce rich and velvety.
- Shredded Mozzarella & Fresh Mozzarella: The shredded cheese melts into the sauce for a gooey consistency, while fresh mozzarella adds pockets of creamy, stretchy bites.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors in the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken sausage and cheese.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Season Generously: Season the sauce with your favorite spices and herbs for maximum flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Top the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta with a side of garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With Sparkling Water: Enjoy a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon to complement the creamy sauce.
- With Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious Pasta recipes!
Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni or ziti
- 1 lb sweet italian chicken sausage
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cut into bite sized
- 2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion roughly chopped
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 Tsp oregano
- ½ Tsp dried thyme
- ½ Tsp red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F. Meanwhile, cook the pasta as directed on the package. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside.
- Take the sausage out of its casings. In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion, and herbs over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the sausage is golden brown.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, letting everything simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture and shredded mozzarella, stirring until well combined.
- Transfer everything into a large casserole dish, then top with fresh mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly, and serve right away.
Notes
- Ziti is the traditional choice for baked pasta, but feel free to use any short pasta you prefer.