Are you looking for a comforting and mouth-watering dish that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage! This recipe combines the richness of creamy marinara sauce, the zest of Italian sausage, and the freshness of basil for an unforgettable meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this dish offers the ideal balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into this recipe, its origin, step-by-step directions, and much more!
What is Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage?
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that pairs creamy marinara sauce with slices of savory chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. It’s a fantastic comfort food that brings together the perfect blend of textures, including the tenderness of pasta, the crunch of broccoli, and the succulent taste of Italian sausage. This dish is elevated with the addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, making it the ideal meal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner for the family or a special gathering with friends.
The Origin of Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage
The creamy tomato basil pasta with chicken sausage recipe is inspired by classic Italian flavors and traditional pasta dishes. Italian cuisine is renowned for its comforting and rich sauces, and this dish draws from that heritage while incorporating more modern ingredients like chicken sausage for a lighter yet equally delicious alternative. While the dish isn’t a traditional Italian recipe, it brings together popular elements from Italian cooking, such as marinara sauce, pasta, and fresh basil, with a comforting creamy twist that’s become a favorite in many households.
Ingredients with Quantities (Serves 4–5)
For the perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing the sausage)
- 4 links Italian-style chicken sausage (sliced)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste (adds richness to the sauce)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (a classic Italian base)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy, velvety sauce)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (or substitute with baby spinach)
- ½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added richness and flavor)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish and a burst of freshness)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Let’s walk through the simple steps to make this creamy, satisfying dish!
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water for your pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the penne or bowtie pasta (whichever you prefer) and cook it until al dente, which should take around 8–10 minutes. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce later, then drain the pasta.
2. Sear the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and sear it until it’s browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Once the sausage is nicely browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, around 3 minutes. Once the onion softens, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional for heat). Let everything cook together for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Add 3 tbsp of tomato paste to the skillet, cooking it for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Next, pour in the 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the Vegetables and Sausage
Stir in the 3 cups of broccoli florets (or baby spinach if you prefer) and the cooked chicken sausage. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sausage is heated through.
6. Combine the Pasta and Finish
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil for that fresh, aromatic touch. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is nicely combined and creamy, it’s time to serve your Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage. Garnish with additional fresh basil and enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish.
Variations of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage
While this recipe is already packed with delicious flavors, there are several variations you can try to mix things up:
- Swap the Broccoli: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily substitute it with mushrooms, zucchini, or baby spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Sausage: For a deeper, more robust flavor, try using sun-dried tomato chicken sausage instead of the regular Italian-style sausage. This adds an extra layer of savory richness to the dish.
- Add a Kick: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to taste for a spicier dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also use dairy-free cheese if desired.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: If you prefer a gluten-free option, simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Pairing Suggestions
This creamy pasta dish is hearty on its own, but it can be paired with other delicious sides to elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Nothing complements creamy pasta better than some freshly toasted garlic bread. Serve it on the side for a delightful combination of flavors.
- Arugula Salad: For a fresh, light contrast to the richness of the pasta, pair it with a crisp arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The peppery bite of arugula will balance out the creamy pasta perfectly.
FAQs About Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage is used in this recipe for a leaner option, you can swap it with pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop, adding a little pasta water or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.
Can I freeze Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe?
This recipe can be frozen for up to 1 month. When reheating, make sure to add a bit more cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or artichokes. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Conclusion: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage
In conclusion, Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage is a versatile, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients, a rich, creamy sauce, and the delicious combination of sausage, pasta, and fresh basil, it’s a meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Whether you make it as is or customize it with your favorite variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage: A Cozy and Flavor-Packed Recipe for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that pairs creamy marinara sauce with slices of savory chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. It’s a fantastic comfort food that brings together the perfect blend of textures, including the tenderness of pasta, the crunch of broccoli, and the succulent taste of Italian sausage. This dish is elevated with the addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, making it the ideal meal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner for the family or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 links Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups broccoli florets (or baby spinach)
- ½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sear the Sausage In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Build the Sauce Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add marinara and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Veggies & Sausage Stir in broccoli (or spinach) and cooked sausage. Simmer until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine & Finish Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir in Parmesan and fresh basil. Toss until everything is coated and creamy.
Notes
For a richer flavor, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or a splash of heavy cream before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes for a spicy, aromatic finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken Sausage