Imagine a dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, packed with incredible flavors, and guaranteed to have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. With perfectly browned chicken sausage, vibrant bell peppers, tender spinach, and a blanket of melted mozzarella, this one-pan wonder is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage begins to brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and slightly caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and mixed with sausage and vegetables.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet!
Tips
- For the best flavor, choose a high-quality chicken sausage with herbs or spices already incorporated.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture.
- Use fresh spinach for maximum nutrition and a bright, fresh flavor.
- If you want extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta and low-fat mozzarella.
- Make sure to stir frequently when sautéing to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
