Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe: Smoky, Garlicky

Introduction

Chicken Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero: smoky sliced chicken sausage tossed with tender pasta, sweet peppers, onion, and a light garlic-white wine sauce that comes together in one pan. Bold flavors, minimal cleanup—this is the pasta that tastes like restaurant quality but lands on the table in 30 minutes. Presented in a white ceramic bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes, this Chicken Sausage Pasta offers colorful swirls and pure satisfaction that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Sausage Pasta (serves 4–6): • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 lb chicken sausage (Italian or smoked), sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 bell peppers (mix colors), sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

For Serving: • Extra Parmesan, crusty bread

Step-by-Step Process

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions (al dente—it finishes in the sauce). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain.
2. Brown the sausage
   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage; cook 4–5 minutes until browned and caramelized. Remove to a plate.
3. Sauté vegetables
   Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same pan. Add onion and bell peppers; season with salt. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly charred.
4. Add garlic & spices
   Stir in garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze
   Pour in white wine; scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes until reduced by half.
6. Build the sauce
   Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Return the sausage to the pan. Simmer 5 minutes.
7. Combine with pasta
   Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss over low heat 2–3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until saucy. Stir in Parmesan.
8. Serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs and extra cheese.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage Pasta

• Slice sausage on bias—more surface for browning
• Char veggies—flavor depth
• Reserve pasta water—creates silky sauce
• Use smoked chicken sausage—extra flavor without effort
• One-pan cleanup—use a large skillet
• Add spinach or peas last minute for green

Variations and Customization

• Creamy: stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end
• Spicy Arrabbiata: extra red pepper + calabrian chiles
• Veggie Boost: add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach
• Gluten-Free: GF pasta
• Light: less oil + extra broth
• Cheesy: top with mozzarella and broil

Storage and Serving Tips

• Tastes better day 2—perfect make-ahead
• Fridge up to 5 days
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water
• Freezes up to 3 months
• Quick refresh: add fresh herbs
• Serve with salad or garlic bread

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Total Fat: 20g (Saturated 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 54g (Fiber 5g)

FAQ

1. What chicken sausage is best?
Italian-style or smoked—pre-cooked for ease.

2. No wine—what can I use?
Chicken broth + splash of vinegar or lemon.

3. My sauce too thick/thin?
Too thick → pasta water. Too thin → simmer longer.

4. Vegetarian version?
Plant-based sausage + veg broth.

5. Add protein?
Shrimp or white beans work great.

Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage Pasta is pure one-pan magic—smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and garlicky sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. One bowl and suddenly weeknights feel effortless, leftovers feel like a gift, and everyone’s asking for pasta night again. Keep chicken sausage and peppers stocked, and you’re always 30 minutes away from the hearty, flavorful pasta that turns ordinary dinners into something quietly spectacular.