If you are searching for a comforting yet fresh dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors and vibrant greens, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe. It’s a delightful marriage of juicy chicken sausage, tender pasta shells, and luscious spinach all enveloped in a dreamy, creamy sauce. Every bite bursts with comforting warmth and just the right balance of herbs and seasoning, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests. This recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to for a speedy, satisfying dinner full of color and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring this Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe to life. Each component has an essential role, whether it’s adding a punch of flavor, lending texture, or infusing the dish with vibrant color.
- 8 oz. fresh chicken sausage: Adds juicy, savory bites that are the star protein of this dish.
- 1 ½ cups medium pasta shells (dried): Their shape holds the creamy sauce wonderfully for a luscious mouthfeel.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Brings a fresh, earthy green flavor and delicate texture to lighten the richness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Adds a pop of sweet acidity and bursts of juiciness.
- ½ red bell pepper: Provides gentle sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- ½ yellow onion: Lends a mild, slightly sweet base flavor when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a subtle punch.
- ½ cup half & half: The creamy foundation that makes this pasta irresistibly smooth.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and building flavor layers.
- Crushed red pepper: Offers a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by quartering the cherry tomatoes and chopping the red bell pepper and yellow onion into bite-sized pieces. This prep work sets you up for easy sautéing and ensures each vegetable offers the right texture and flavor bursts throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables to Soften and Release Flavors
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Cook until softened and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness which creates a flavorful base for your creamy pasta.
Step 3: Cook Pasta Al Dente
While your veggies are cooking, boil your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente—that perfect tender bite. Once done, drain and save a little pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later before adding it straight to the skillet.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken Sausage and Garlic
Add the sliced or crumbled fresh chicken sausage and minced garlic to the vegetables in the skillet. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, which brings hearty, savory depth to the dish and a satisfying chew.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Pour in the half & half along with a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, stirring well to combine. This step starts forming the luscious, creamy sauce that wraps around every ingredient, turning the dish into pure comfort food.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook just until it wilts. The spinach adds freshness and a vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and roasted veggies.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Adjust Creaminess
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the skillet contents and stir until melted and incorporated. If you want the sauce creamier, add some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Just before plating, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the pasta for a bright lift that cuts through the richness and enhances every flavor component.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring an extra wow factor. Try topping with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few red pepper flakes for heat, or even a handful of fresh basil or parsley for added brightness and herby aroma.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a crusty garlic bread to scoop up any creamy sauce left on the plate. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus also complement the meal brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve straight from the skillet family-style so everyone can dig in easily. For a dinner party, twirl the pasta high on plates and garnish artistically with colorful veggies and fresh herbs to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with cream can sometimes change texture when frozen, this recipe freezes reasonably well if you want to save some for later. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep the dish creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh chicken sausage gives a mild and juicy flavor, you can also try turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
What if I don’t have half & half?
You can substitute with heavy cream for a richer sauce or a mix of milk and cream to keep the balance. For a lighter version, whole milk works but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and creamy.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the medium pasta shells for gluten-free pasta varieties. The cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on your pasta to achieve perfect al dente texture.
How can I add more vegetables to this pasta?
Feel free to mix in zucchini, mushrooms, or peas during the sautéing step. These add more color, nutrients, and delicious flavors without overpowering the main ingredients.
Can this recipe be made ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Assemble the pasta and sauce up to a day in advance and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add fresh spinach if you want a bit of extra brightness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is such a winner when you crave comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice freshness or flavor. It’s easy to make, visually inviting, and satisfying in every bite. I promise once you try it, this will become one of your favorite dishes to cook and share with friends and family. Get ready to savor creamy, hearty goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken sausage pasta with spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines sautéed bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes with hearty pasta shells and nutritious baby spinach, all brought together by a luscious half & half-based sauce.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 8 oz. fresh chicken sausage
- ½ cup half & half
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry
- 1 ½ cups medium pasta shells (dried)
- Olive oil
- Crushed red pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and chop the red bell pepper and yellow onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onions, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and then add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Cook Sausage and Garlic: Slice or crumble the chicken sausage into the skillet, add minced garlic, and cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the half & half along with a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, then stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce further. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the creaminess and consistency of the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Garnish with crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper according to taste.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use fresh chicken sausage for best flavor; precooked sausage will need less time to brown.
- You can substitute half & half with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter alternative.
- Add crushed red pepper gradually to control spice level.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
