Name: Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 cups (180g) diced red onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can (795g) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; 1/4 cup (5g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (5g) chopped fresh basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta; 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound (450g) chicken sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 to 6 cups (100 to 150g) baby spinach; 1 1/2 cups (140g) shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped parsley, to garnish

Jump to Recipe

This Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet is the kind of comforting, flavor-packed meal that makes you wonder how something so easy can taste so amazing! Juicy chicken sausage, tender penne, and a lush, herby marinara sauce all come together in a single skillet, finishing with gooey, melty mozzarella that just begs to be twirled around your fork. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or inviting friends over, this dish promises both crowd-pleasing flavor and weeknight-level simplicity. If you ever needed a foolproof go-to pasta night idea, this Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet is about to claim the top spot on your list.

Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With simple, staple ingredients, each part of this recipe brings something special to the table. Whether it’s a burst of fresh herbs or the satisfying bite of pasta, don’t skip anything on this list—each one plays a starring role in the final magic of your Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet.

Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the veggies and brown the sausage perfectly.
Red onions: Bring a pop of color and sweet, caramelized depth to your sauce.
Garlic: Essential for an aromatic, savory base—don’t hold back!
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of your marinara, giving body and tangy, natural sweetness.
Honey or sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Bright and herbaceous, it freshens up the sauce and the final dish.
Fresh basil: Classic Italian flavor, making the sauce sing with fragrance and color.
Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, a pinch elevates the entire sauce.
Penne pasta: Holds onto all that lovely sauce in each tube—sub any favorite short pasta if needed.
Chicken sausage: Juicy, lean, and full of flavor—try different varieties for a twist.
Baby spinach: Wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding nutrients and vibrant green flecks.
Shredded mozzarella: Melty, gooey cheese pulls everything together, both literally and flavor-wise.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh sprinkle makes your skillet pop with color and taste.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics

Set the stage for your Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet by heating olive oil in a roomy, oven-safe sauté pan. Toss in diced red onions and cook until they’re fragrant and just translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly, just until you catch that irresistible aroma. This is where you’re layering those foundational flavors that make everything irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Marinara Sauce

Pour in your crushed tomatoes and let them come to a lively simmer. After one or two minutes, dial down the heat and let the sauce gently bubble away, developing flavor. Add honey (or sugar), chopped parsley, basil, dried oregano, and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for another minute, stir, and then set aside. If time’s tight, feel free to use a good-quality store-bought marinara—you’ll still get a fantastic skillet dinner.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the penne and cook just until al dente, 7 to 9 minutes usually does the trick. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking (key to perfect texture!). Set aside—ready to welcome all those saucy, cheesy flavors.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Switch gears to a big skillet and heat another drizzle of olive oil. Add your bite-sized chicken sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where the skillet really starts to smell amazing and your appetite wakes up!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the finished sauce over the sausage, stir, and let it heat for a minute. Add in all the fresh baby spinach, folding it gently into the sauce so it wilts without overcooking. Tumble in your cooked pasta and combine everything until it’s evenly coated and mingling happily.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Scatter the mozzarella cheese generously over the top of your skillet pasta. Slide the whole pan into a 350F oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is molten and bubbling around the edges. If you’re extra hungry (or short on time), you can skip the oven and stir the cheese right into the hot pasta until beautifully melted. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley and a touch of salt and pepper as you like.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Nothing finishes the Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet better than a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. It’s not just for looks—parsley’s fresh, grassy flavor livens up the cheesy richness and helps balance every bite. If you love a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dusting of grated Parmesan can also work wonders.

Side Dishes

This skillet is absolutely satisfying as a standalone meal, but you can easily pair it with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted veggies. Crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce, while a light salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal feeling fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet for guests, try serving it in individual ramekins for a rustic feel, or spoon portions into shallow bowls and top each with a dramatic stretch of melted cheese. You can even make mini skillets—so everyone gets their own bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps like a dream in the fridge! Let your leftover Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet cool fully, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making for ridiculously good lunches or fast dinners.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this meal well in advance, you’re in luck: Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet freezes beautifully. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It’ll be ready for you for up to three months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To revive your skillet, simply microwave individual servings covered (add a small splash of water if the pasta looks dry), or reheat the whole batch in a covered skillet over low heat. Stir now and then to make sure everything heats evenly, and don’t be shy about adding another sprinkle of cheese on top before serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for this Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet, any short, sauce-catching pasta (like rigatoni or fusilli) will work well. Just be sure to cook it al dente so the final dish isn’t mushy.

What kind of chicken sausage is best?

You have a lot of options—mild Italian style, spicy varieties, or even apple-flavored chicken sausage add unique twists. Choose your favorite, and if you prefer turkey or pork sausage, those work, too.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be delicious additions. Just add them when you’re browning the sausage, so they have time to soften and build more flavor into your Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This version calls for regular penne, but you can easily swap it out for your preferred gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple switch!

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The homemade marinara keeps beautifully in the fridge for four to five days or in the freezer for several months. Make a double batch and you’ll always be ready to whip up a Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet on a whim.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about gathering around a bubbling skillet of pasta—especially when it’s as easy and rewarding as this Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet. I hope you give this recipe a try soon; I have a feeling it’ll become a new favorite at your table!

Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines savory chicken sausage, tender pasta, and a flavorful marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a comforting and satisfying dinner option.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make the marinara sauce (or substitute store-bought sauce): Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe sauté pan. Add onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, honey, parsley, basil, and oregano. Simmer for a few minutes and season with salt.
Cook the pasta: Boil water, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the sausage and spinach sauce: Cook sausage in a skillet, add pasta sauce, and spinach until wilted.
Bake the pasta: Combine pasta with sauce, top with mozzarella, bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top the pasta with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste: Garnish with parsley, salt, and pepper before serving hot.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Feel free to use different types of sausage for varied flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian