Pasta · 30 minutes
Creamy One Pan Chicken Sausage Pasta
This creamy chicken sausage pasta is one of those dinners my daughter asks for and I'm never mad about it because I love it just as much. Everything cooks together in one pan, so there's barely any cleanup.
It's so creamy without using much cream at all. I think the secret is cooking the pasta right in the chicken broth. As the pasta simmers, it releases its starch into the liquid, and that starchy broth turns into a creamy sauce.
Why You'll Love This
- •One pan, minimal cleanup. The sausage, pasta, and sauce all cook in the same pan, so you're only washing one dish.
- •Creamy without a lot of cream. Cooking the pasta in broth creates a naturally creamy sauce, so you only need half a cup of heavy cream.
- •Kid friendly. Cheesy sausage and creamy pasta are a winning combo for picky eaters (my daughter is proof).
- •Ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting fast.
Ingredients
Pasta
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce. Gluten free pasta works too, though cook times may vary.
Chicken broth
This is what makes the sauce creamy, so don't swap it for water. Vegetable broth is a good substitute, and low sodium broth lets you control the salt.
Chicken sausage
Use your favorite. I use Trader Joe's cheddar chicken sausage (about 12 ounces). Any precooked chicken sausage works, such as spinach and feta, Italian style, or apple chicken sausage. Turkey or pork sausage is fine too.
Heavy cream
Half and half works for a lighter version. Cream cheese or mascarpone stirred in at the end also adds creaminess.
Pesto (optional)
Store bought or homemade basil pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor. Sun dried tomato pesto is a fun twist.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this one. Cream based sauces can separate and the pasta tends to get mushy once thawed.
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Creamy One Pan Chicken Sausage Pasta
5 min
PREP
25 min
COOK
30 min
TOTAL
4 servings
SERVINGS
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Add oil to a large pan over medium heat and add the diced chicken sausage. Brown on both sides until fully cooked.
- 2
Add the pasta and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything.
- 3
Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated. About 12-15 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the pesto (if using) and the heavy cream until everything is combined.
- 5
Add the spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two.
- 6
Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan, then serve warm.
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