A hearty and comforting pasta dish, Creamy Chicken Sausage Penne Pasta brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, savory sausage, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish makes an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. It combines the smoky depth of chicken sausage with the mild, tender flavor of sautéed chicken breast—all enveloped in a creamy, spiced marinara sauce. It’s a one-skillet meal that’s easy to prepare yet tastes like something from a cozy Italian trattoria. The recipe also allows for flexibility: use coconut milk for a dairy-free version or play with spice levels using red pepper flakes. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers both flavor and comfort.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- penne pasta
- olive oil
- chicken breast, diced
- chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- garlic, minced
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- marinara sauce
- heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for another 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the cream. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 490 kcal
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the simmering phase for extra nutrition.
- Whole-Grain Option: Use whole-wheat penne or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Cheesy Bake: After mixing the pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and broil for a golden, cheesy crust.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or water and warm over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For best results, avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of hot sauce or chili paste when adding the marinara for more heat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or any other short pasta that holds sauce well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, omit the chicken and sausage, and substitute with plant-based sausage and mushrooms or other hearty vegetables.
What type of chicken sausage works best?
Smoked or Italian-style chicken sausage works well for this dish, offering bold flavor and a firm texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it with the sausage and heat through for a quicker prep time.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute with coconut milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta and sauce in advance and store separately. Combine and heat before serving for best texture.
What herbs can I add besides parsley?
Basil, oregano, or thyme are excellent additions that pair well with the creamy tomato base.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed. Enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Sausage Penne Pasta is a simple yet luxurious dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With just a few staple ingredients and one skillet, you can create a rich, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to fit your preferences, this creamy, meaty pasta is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Penne Pasta is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This comforting pasta features juicy chicken breast, savory chicken sausage, and penne tossed in a luscious tomato cream sauce. Finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s an easy Italian-inspired dish your family will love.
Ingredients
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 chicken breast, diced
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2 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup marinara sauce
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1/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes until cooked through.
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Add chicken sausage slices and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until browned.
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Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in marinara sauce and stir in heavy cream. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
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Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss well to coat in the sauce.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
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Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
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Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Great with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
