Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Delight

$- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced into small pieces - 1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons Penne pasta is great because it holds sauce well. Chicken sausage adds a nice flavor and protein. Garlic gives a lovely aroma, while bell pepper and zucchini add color and crunch. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light and tasty. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish Olive oil helps cook the sausage and veggies. Italian seasoning brings a warm flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the dish, while fresh basil adds a bright touch. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of sliced chicken sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to become nicely browned. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 medium zucchini cut into half-moons. Sauté these ingredients for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps the vegetables soften and release their sweet flavors. Now it’s time to add the pasta! Carefully pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 8 oz of penne pasta. Stir well to make sure the pasta is fully submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente and most of the broth absorbed. After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low again. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese melts and the pasta becomes coated in a creamy sauce. Taste the dish and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Before serving, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. To get that perfect pasta texture, cook the penne to al dente. This means it should be firm yet tender. Keep an eye on it while it simmers. If you find the sauce too thin, leave it on low heat for a bit longer. Stir gently to avoid sticking. If it gets too thick, you can add a little chicken broth to loosen it up. Balance is key! For richer flavors, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Fresh herbs add life to any dish. I love using quality grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds depth. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, too. A sharp cheese can really elevate the dish. Serve your pasta in shallow bowls for a nice look. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top. This adds texture and taste. Don’t forget a few fresh basil leaves for color. Drizzling a bit of olive oil on top can add shine and flavor. These simple tips can make your meal feel special! Pro Tips Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for chicken sausage that is made with high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Cheese Options: For a twist, try incorporating different cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses to enhance creaminess. Leftovers Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to revive the sauce. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the chicken sausage and pasta in this dish. If you want a different flavor, try turkey or pork sausage. For a lighter touch, chicken breast works too. As for pasta, penne is great, but you can use rotini, fusilli, or even whole wheat options. Each type gives a new shape and texture. Making this dish fit your diet is simple. To go gluten-free, just pick gluten-free pasta. For a dairy-free meal, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. You can also skip the cheese or use a nut-based cheese. If you want it vegan, choose plant-based sausage and remove all dairy. Add your own twist by using different spices or cheeses. Want a kick? Try adding crushed red pepper flakes. You might like smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Instead of Parmesan, switch to feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also boost the taste. Each change offers a new way to enjoy this creamy delight. To keep your creamy chicken sausage pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, add a splash of broth or cream to the pasta. Heat it on low, stirring gently until warm. This helps keep the sauce creamy. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream if needed for texture. Yes, you can use many types of sausage. Italian sausage adds a nice kick. Turkey or pork sausage works well too. If you prefer a different flavor, try chorizo or smoked sausage. Each type gives a unique taste to the dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the sausage type. Absolutely! This pasta dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. To meal prep, divide the pasta into containers after cooking. This makes it easy to grab for lunch or dinner. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. If you want more heat, there are several easy ways to spice it up. Add red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a unique twist, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. This blog post covered a creamy pasta recipe featuring chicken sausage and fresh veggies. You learned how to prepare the base, cook the pasta, and create a rich sauce. I shared tips to enhance texture and flavor, plus variations for dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers correctly for best taste. With this knowledge, you can whip up a delicious meal that suits your needs and preferences. Enjoy making this dish your own while impressing your friends and family!$

Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 bell pepper diced into small pieces
1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the olive oil and heat it over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the sliced chicken sausage to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned on the outside.
Introduce the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced zucchini into the pot. Sauté everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Monitor it until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the pasta is enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce.
Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, so the sauce thickens slightly.
Just before serving, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a few additional basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil can add shine and flavor as well.

Keyword cheesy, chicken sausage, creamy, pasta