Chicken Sausage Pasta
A comforting bowl of warm pasta with savory chicken sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
For the Sauté
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Can swap for avocado oil or another neutral oil if desired.
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (Italian or your favorite flavor) Use your favorite flavor. Look for low-sodium or nitrate-free varieties for lower sodium options.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow) Use whatever color is on hand.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach Can replace with baby kale or arugula.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to taste, especially if sausage is already seasoned.
For Serving (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional — for a dairy-free option, omit or use a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Sauté the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes.
Add the Aromatics and Vegetables
- Push the sausage to the side and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and cook until just tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften.
Wilt the Spinach and Season
- Add the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything to combine. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if using.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
This recipe is highly customizable — feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your preference. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.