This Chicken and Sausage Pasta is likely to become one of your favorite dinner recipes. Made in one pan with Italian sausage, tender chicken and a creamy sauce, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and ease.
Whether you're feeding the family or looking for a meal that feels a little special without the fuss, this pasta delivers. It’s hearty, packed with flavor and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds!
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Greek Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Tuscan Chicken Thighs or Brie Grilled Cheese.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple: This recipe comes together in just one pan with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. There’s minimal prep involved, so you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy: The combination of tomato paste, chicken stock and heavy cream creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It adds just the right amount of indulgence without being too heavy.
- Hearty: With Italian sausage, chicken and a generous helping of pasta, this dish is packed with protein and bold flavors. It’s a satisfying meal that will keep you full and happy.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this creamy chicken sausage pasta:
- Olive oil: Use regular olive oil in this recipe.
- Italian sausage: Use 1 pound of ground Italian sausage.
- Shallot: Shallot gives this recipe dimension in flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic over jarred garlic.
- Salt & black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Tomato paste: I love buying the tube of concentrated tomato paste so you don't have to waste any in the can!
- Chicken stock or chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Pasta: I prefer to use a short pasta shape for this recipe.
- Chicken: Use 8 ounces of cooked and sliced chicken breast. You can also use shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will provide the best flavor and texture.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Directions
Let's make this one pot pasta recipe together!
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns, for about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the sliced shallot and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in the salt, Italian seasoning and black pepper.
- Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste, chicken stock and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken and grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this chicken sausage pasta recipe:
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and add more salt, pepper or Italian seasoning as needed.
- Complete the meal: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this chicken sausage pasta dish.
- Protein: Use ground turkey, ground beef, hot Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken instead of Italian sausage and chicken breast.
- Pasta: Swap short pasta for fettuccine, penne or any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too!
- Parmesan cheese: If you don’t have parmesan, try pecorino romano or asiago for a similar flavor.
- Additions: Add red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, I like to use short pasta like penne, rigatoni or farfalle because it holds onto the creamy sauce well. However, you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine or any pasta you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground beef instead of Italian sausage, though it will change the flavor a bit. If you want to mimic the sausage's seasoning, you can add extra herbs like fennel seeds, garlic powder and crushed red pepper for a similar taste.
You can make this dish without heavy whipping cream by substituting it with half-and-half, whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind, the texture and richness of the sauce may be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: To freeze, place the cooled pasta and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Creamy Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 shallot sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz cooked short pasta drained
- 8 oz cooked chicken breast sliced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and Italian sausage and sauté for 6-8 minutes, until browned.
- Add shallot and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes. Add salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper and stir well.
- Add tomato paste, chicken stock and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken breast, and parmesan cheese. Stir well for a few minutes, until combined. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe Storage and Reheating:
-
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
- Freezer Storage: To freeze, place the cooled pasta and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
-
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations:
-
- Protein: Use ground turkey, ground beef, hot Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken instead of Italian sausage and chicken breast.
-
- Pasta: Swap short pasta for fettuccine, penne or any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too!
-
- Parmesan cheese: If you don’t have parmesan, try pecorino romano or asiago for a similar flavor.
-
- Additions: Add red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
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