Creamy Chicken and Italian Sausage Pasta: A Flavorful Recipe to Impress
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy pasta dish to make for dinner tonight? Look no further! This creamy chicken and Italian sausage pasta recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's a delightful blend of savory sausage, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Let's dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your needs.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!): The sausage provides a fantastic savory base for the dish. Look for high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed chicken adds lean protein and a delicate flavor contrast to the richness of the sausage.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat for sautéing the sausage and chicken.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have for enhancing the savory notes.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Provides the base for the creamy tomato sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds extra richness and body to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key ingredient for creating that lusciously creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and umami flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh basil brightens the sauce with its vibrant herbal notes. (Dried basil can be substituted in a pinch, using about 1 tablespoon).
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape): Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously throughout the cooking process.
Instructions for Creamy Perfection:
Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside with the sausage.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked sausage and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie boost: Include sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy creamy chicken and Italian sausage pasta! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out! Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – Happy cooking!
