Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? Dive into the world of Italian comfort food with our Chicken and Apple Sausage Pasta Bowls! This mouthwatering dish combines the savory flavors of chicken apple sausage with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, all tossed with your favorite pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delightful dinner that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb chicken apple sausage, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken apple sausage to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden brown and heated through.
- Reduce heat to medium and add fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted and bright green.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausage and spinach.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Divide pasta into four serving bowls, garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes like penne or fusilli that can hold onto the sauce and ingredients better.
- Don't Skip the Pasta Water: Reserving a half cup of pasta water is key! This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Sauté the Spinach Just Right: Keep an eye on the spinach while it’s sautéing; it only needs 1-2 minutes to wilt perfectly without losing its vibrant color.
- Experiment with Sausage: If you want to switch things up, try different flavors of chicken sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving can elevate the dish visually and add a fresh taste.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Make a larger batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 367kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 53mg
