If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and fresh, combining savory chicken sausage with vibrant pesto and tender pasta to create a meal that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. The flavors mingle beautifully, making it a go-to recipe whenever you want dinner done in under 30 minutes without sacrificing any of that comforting goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to making magic happen. Each one plays a critical role in giving this dish its richness, color, and depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity base that sautés the sausage to golden perfection.
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced: The star protein providing a juicy, savory punch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish an irresistible aromatic lift.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds bursts of sweetness and a fresh pop of color.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto: The vibrant heart of the recipe, bringing herbaceous richness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious sauce that wraps around every ingredient.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that enhances the pesto.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (to taste): Optional, for those who love a hint of heat.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish and adds fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta al dente is key—it should offer a slight bite, not mushy, so it stands up well to the creamy pesto sauce. Once ready, drain the pasta but save half a cup of that starchy pasta water; we’ll use that shortly to help smooth out our sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced chicken sausage and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step is where flavor really builds, as the sausage releases its savory juices and caramelizes beautifully.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the minced garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then, add the cherry tomatoes and let them soften for 2 to 3 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and lightly blending with the sausage for a mouthwatering mix.
Step 4: Create the Pesto Cream Sauce
Turn the heat down low and stir in the basil pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Watch as the sauce comes together, silky and smooth, hugging those tender tomatoes and sausage slices like they belong together forever.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your drained pasta right into the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly. If the sauce feels a bit thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time—that starchy liquid is a secret weapon to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to every noodle. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and finish the dish by sprinkling red pepper flakes for a little kick and scattering fresh basil leaves if you have them on hand. Serve it warm and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest weeknight meals around!
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves add an elegant touch of freshness and extra cheesiness that elevate the dish. If you like a little heat, some crushed red pepper flakes on top bring a fantastic kick to balance the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, a side of warm garlic bread complements the meal with its buttery, crispy texture—perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress or just mix things up, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls rather than a large dish. Garnishing each plate with a sprig of basil and a grating of Parmesan cheese makes it feel restaurant-worthy. You can even toss in some toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch and an added layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making it a delightful next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the creamy texture may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality. Consider freezing the pasta and sauce separately if you want to preserve texture.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that luscious sauce consistency without drying it out, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid the microwave when possible to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini are perfect for holding the pesto sauce, feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times according to the package.
Is chicken sausage necessary, or can I substitute another protein?
You can swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or even cooked chicken breast strips. Just make sure to adjust cooking times depending on the protein chosen for optimal results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply leave out the sausage and consider adding more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for a delicious veggie-forward version. Using vegetarian pesto ensures it stays meat-free.
What type of pesto works best in this recipe?
Classic basil pesto is wonderful here, but sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto can add fun flavor twists. Choose whichever you love or have readily available for an easy flavor change-up.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust heat levels?
The dish is mildly spiced unless you add red pepper flakes. You can omit or increase the flakes based on your spice preference. It’s very adaptable to what your taste buds desire!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that feels both effortless and deeply comforting, and this Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re rushing home after a long day or craving a satisfying dinner that brings joy with every forkful, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and soon you’ll understand why it’s such an adored weeknight winner!
Print
Classic Danish Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight comfort food that combines savory chicken sausage with creamy basil pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rotini
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Sauce
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Brown Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the basil pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency. Cook for 1–2 minutes until well combined.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the pasta warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto as a flavor variation.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of cream or milk when warming to maintain creaminess.
