Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Comfort food at its best, Creamy chicken sausage Pasta is a delightful blend of spicy chicken sausage in a rich tomato cream sauce. This dish is not only ready in just 20 minutes but is also perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this pasta will impress with its comforting flavors and creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The spicy chicken sausage pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce, creating a deliciously rich dish.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make it accessible for all skill levels in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe uses economical ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pasta strainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows even cooking of the chicken sausage and helps combine the sauce thoroughly.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot ensures that the rigatoni cooks evenly without sticking together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 14 ounces rigatoni

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 11 ounces spicy chicken sausage
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 tbsp tomato paste

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Creaminess

• ¾ cup heavy cream

For Garnish (Optional)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get your prep done before you start cooking:
1. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
3. Remove casings from the chicken sausages and cut them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Cook Rigatoni

Boil rigatoni in generously salted water until al dente. Drain when ready, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.

Step 3: Cook Chicken Sausage

Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chicken sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Prepare Sauce

Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Toss in cooked rigatoni along with ½ cup of reserved cooking water. Adjust salt if necessary. Finish off with parsley if desired.

Enjoy your creamy chicken sausage pasta dish!

How to Serve Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Creamy chicken sausage pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Chopped Parsley: Use parsley for a fresh finish that complements the creamy sauce.

With a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well, adding crunch and tanginess to your plate.
• Mixed Greens: Tossed mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette provide a light contrast to the richness of the pasta.

With Garlic Bread

• Toasted Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall experience.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For an indulgent twist, add cheese to your garlic bread before toasting it.

With Grated Cheese

• Extra Parmesan: Offer additional grated Parmesan at the table for those who love cheesy flavors.
• Crumbled Feta: A sprinkle of feta cheese can add a tangy twist to this creamy dish.

How to Perfect Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Perfecting creamy chicken sausage pasta is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure a delicious outcome every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh chicken sausage and high-quality cream for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook rigatoni just until al dente for the best texture in your dish.
• Reserve Cooking Water: Keep some pasta cooking water aside; it helps adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasoning during cooking for a balanced flavor profile.
• Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Stir in herbs and cheese towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

Pairing side dishes with creamy chicken sausage pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this rich main course.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper add healthy color and flavor.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the creamy pasta.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crunchy texture alongside the pasta.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can lighten up the richness of the dish while adding crunch.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed can be served as a low-carb side that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when you’re trying a new recipe like Creamy chicken sausage Pasta. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold preparation: Failing to prepare all ingredients before starting can lead to rushed cooking. Always measure and chop everything beforehand.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking rigatoni too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente by following package instructions closely.
• Bold ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning your sauce will result in a bland dish. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Bold using cold cream: Adding cold cream directly can cause the sauce to separate. Let it come to room temperature before adding it to the pan.
• Bold skipping the reserved pasta water: Not using reserved pasta water can lead to a dry dish. This starchy water helps combine the pasta and sauce perfectly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy chicken sausage Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a little water or cream and heat over medium, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy chicken sausage Pasta.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute spicy chicken sausage with turkey or beef sausage for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish healthier?

You can add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the sauce for added nutrition.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of spicy chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Creamy chicken sausage Pasta is not just a quick dinner option; it’s also versatile and customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your palate. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors!