Description
A quick and wholesome chicken sausage pasta dish ready in 30 minutes, balancing lean protein, whole grain or gluten-free pasta, and fresh veggies for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced (preferably with herbs or mild Italian seasoning)
- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 100g)
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes and rinse the spinach. Measure out broth and seasonings.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Cook pasta until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sliced chicken sausage for about 5 minutes until caramelized. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving browned bits in pan.
- Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return sausage to pan and add fresh spinach; stir until spinach wilts.
- Add drained pasta to skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until sauce coats pasta. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Reserve pasta water before draining to create a silky sauce. Brown sausage well for flavor. Use fresh garlic for best taste. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Add lemon juice at the end for brightness. Slightly undercook pasta to finish cooking in sauce. Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water or simmering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: healthy chicken sausage pasta, quick dinner, 30 minute meal, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, chicken sausage recipe, one-pan pasta, healthy comfort food