Easy Chicken and Italian Sausage Recipes with Pasta in 15 min
As a busy parent, I know how hard it is to cook a tasty meal every night. That’s why I’m excited to share a recipe that’s quick, easy, and delicious. It combines chicken, Italian sausage, and pasta in a way that’s both satisfying and fast.
Growing up, my family loved Italian-American food. But with my busy schedule, I often settled for boring meals. Then, I found this recipe. It’s a mix of classic Italian flavors and a 15-minute prep time. Now, I can make a tasty meal for my family, even on the busiest nights.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Quick and Flavorful Italian-American Fusion
American food has been shaped by Italy’s rich cooking traditions. This has led to the lively Italian-American fusion we enjoy today. It brings together family-friendly recipes that mix Italian cuisine‘s bold flavors with American tastes.
Benefits of Combining Chicken and Italian Sausage
The mix of chicken and Italian sausage is a perfect example of this blend. It combines the spices of Italy with chicken’s lean taste. This creates a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying for the whole family.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is great for busy weeknights. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare. The creamy sauce, with its tangy pepperoncini juice, makes the dish irresistible.
“The beauty of Italian-American cuisine lies in its ability to adapt and evolve, embracing the best of both culinary worlds to create dishes that are truly unique and unforgettable.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Pasta Dish
Creating a tasty pasta entree that’s both flavorful and comforting starts with the right ingredients. For your creamy chicken and Italian sausage pasta, you’ll need a few key items. These ingredients come together to make a dish that’s both harmonious and satisfying.
Choose a short, sturdy pasta like penne or fusili to handle the rich sauce. Chicken breasts add protein, and Cajun seasoning brings a flavorful kick. Fresh garlic, pepperoncini or banana peppers, and heavy cream make the sauce creamy and flavorful. Finally, butter and Parmesan cheese add a luxurious finish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Short pasta (penne or fusili) | 8 oz |
| Chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced | 1/4 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese, freshly grated | 3/4 cup |
By choosing and mixing these essential ingredients, you’re on your way to a pasta entree that’s both delicious and comforting. It’s a comfort food recipe that everyone in your family will love.
Chicken and Italian Sausage Recipes with Pasta
Selecting the Right Cuts of Meat
For this tasty one-pot pasta dish, use thinly sliced chicken breasts. You can also pound them for even cooking. Spicy Italian sausage adds a nice texture and a bit of heat.
Choosing the Perfect Pasta Type
There are several pasta options that work well. Penne, fusili, or any short or long pasta are great choices. These pasta types complement the chicken and sausage well.
Creating the Signature Cream Sauce
The creamy sauce is key to this dish. It’s made with heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of pepperoncini juice. Adding Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Penne Pasta | 1 lb. |
| Ground Spicy Italian Sausage | 1 lb. |
| Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Cajun Seasoning | 3 tbsp. (2 tbsp. for chicken, 1 tbsp. for sauce) |
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/3 cup |
| Grated/Shredded Parmesan Cheese | 2/3 cup |
| Chicken Stock | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 |
| Pepperoncini Juice | As needed |
This easy and tasty one-pot poultry recipes dish is great for busy weeknights. It combines chicken, spicy Italian sausage, and a creamy Cajun sauce for a delicious one-pot meals experience.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Make your weeknight better with this Italian-American fusion dish. It has juicy chicken, tasty Italian sausage, and creamy pasta sauce. Follow these steps to make this easy weeknight meal in just 15 minutes.
- First, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, cook the Italian sausage in the same skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- In another saucepan, mix low-fat cream cheese, semi-skimmed milk, and flour for a creamy sauce. Add garlic granules, dried basil, and sea salt. Simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- While the sauce thickens, cook the pasta as the package says. Drain and set aside.
- When the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the saucepan. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Finally, serve the easy weeknight meal hot. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if you like.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Sausage | 350g |
| Dry Pasta | 300g |
| Low-fat Cream Cheese | 3 tbsp |
| Semi-skimmed Milk | 80ml |
| Plain Flour | 1 tbsp |
| Chicken Stock | 250ml |
| Sea Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Garlic Granules | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried Basil | 1 tbsp |
| Parmesan Cheese | 20g |
Enjoy this delightful Italian-American fusion dish. It’s a easy weeknight meal your family will love.
Creating the Perfect Cajun Seasoning Blend
For a bold and flavorful Italian-American dish, the secret is in the seasoning. Make your Chicken and Italian Sausage Pasta shine with a homemade Cajun spice blend. This seasoning not only boosts the comfort food but also complements the rich Italian flavors.
Homemade Seasoning Components
To make the perfect Cajun seasoning, mix bold and aromatic spices. Begin with mild paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chili powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and a bit of brown sugar for depth. Cayenne pepper is the heat source, adjust it to your liking.
- Mild paprika
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Brown sugar
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
Adjusting Spice Levels to Taste
Homemade seasoning blends let you customize to your taste. For a milder Cajun flavor, start with less cayenne pepper and add more as needed. For a bolder flavor, add more cayenne. The goal is to find the right balance of flavors and heat.
With this Cajun seasoning blend, you can take your Italian-American dishes to the next level. They’ll be filled with bold and comforting flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Get ready to mix and match italian cuisine and comfort food recipes.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor Development
Creating a delicious chicken and Italian sausage pasta dish requires a few tricks. Start with freshly minced garlic. Its strong aroma and taste will make every bite special. Also, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for its rich, nutty flavor.
Adding pepperoncini juice to the sauce gives it a tangy kick. This enhances the dish’s overall taste and pairs well with the Italian sausage. Remember to save some pasta cooking water. It helps the sauce stick to the noodles perfectly.
Make sure your chicken is cooked to 165°F. This ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat. It also blends well with the other ingredients, making a perfect Italian-American dish.
These tips will make your chicken and Italian sausage pasta dish stand out. It will look great and taste amazing. Enjoy every bite and feel proud of your culinary creation.
Nutritional Information and Portion Control
Family-friendly recipes and comforting Italian-American dishes are key. It’s vital to know the nutritional facts and portion sizes. The creamy chicken and Italian sausage pasta dish is tasty but high in calories and fat.
Caloric Breakdown
A single serving has about 723 calories. Most of these calories come from 53 grams of fat, with 22 grams of saturated fat. It also has a lot of cholesterol (163mg) and sodium (1707mg).
But, it’s also rich in protein (39 grams) and calcium (144mg). This makes it a balanced meal. Yet, the high calories, fat, and sodium mean we should watch our portions.
Dietary Considerations
- For those watching calories or managing weight, smaller portions are best. You might also want to cut down on fat and calories.
- People with heart health or high blood pressure issues should consider making changes. This could mean less salt or choosing leaner proteins.
- Those on low-carb or keto diets might swap pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. This cuts down on carbs.
Being aware of the nutritional facts and controlling portions helps. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your diet balanced and healthy.
Storage and Leftover Management
Enjoy your chicken and Italian sausage pasta dish even after the first meal. It’s perfect for leftovers that can be reheated for easy meals or lunches. This recipe is great for families.
Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often to keep the sauce creamy.
The sauce stays creamy when reheated, making each bite as good as the first. This meal is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a hit with families.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 685 |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 47g |
| Saturated Fat | 23g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 1329mg |
| Potassium | 611mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 1128IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 340mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
This meal is not only tasty but also nutritious. It’s perfect for families who want quick, delicious meals. Plus, you can easily store and reheat leftovers for future meals.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. It combines chicken, Italian sausage, and pasta in a creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce. You can make it in just 30 minutes, saving you hours in the kitchen.
The pepperoncini add a tangy twist, mixing well with the Italian sausage and creamy sauce. This chicken and italian sausage recipes with pasta dish is great for any meal. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Try this italian-american fusion dish tonight for a comforting meal. Its mix of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors will please everyone. It’s sure to leave you feeling full and ready for the day.
