Create a flavorful, comforting chicken sausage pasta dish quickly in one pan. This recipe uses simple steps to deliver a rich, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
1 pound penne or rotini pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
5 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown the chicken sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess fat.
Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the sausage.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts completely into the sauce, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For an even easier weeknight solution, compare this recipe to local meal planning services to see how much time you save.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad to balance the richness.