Description
Indulge in the delectable Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach, a dish that brings together the rich flavors of creamy sauce and spicy chicken sausage, perfectly complemented by fresh vegetables. This recipe is designed for ease and speed, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, along with nutrient-packed spinach, this pasta dish is not only comforting but also visually appealing. Enjoy a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences while delivering on both flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 cups medium shell pasta (dried)
- 8 oz fresh chicken sausage
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup half & half
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Quarter cherry tomatoes and finely chop the bell pepper and onion.
- Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add prepared tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, salt, and crushed red pepper; cook for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Cook pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook medium shells until al dente; drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Add sausage and garlic: Stir in fresh chicken sausage and minced garlic into the skillet; cook for about 5–6 minutes while breaking up the sausage.
- Incorporate spinach: Once half & half is added and mostly absorbed, stir in baby spinach until wilted.
- Combine: Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet using a slotted spoon; mix well with the sauce.
- Finalize: Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust creaminess with reserved pasta water as needed. Season to taste, then add lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg