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Quick Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

Close-up of creamy chicken sausage pasta with spinach served in a white bowl.

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Make this easy, one-pan chicken sausage pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It features a creamy sauce and Italian flavors, perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Let it warm through, but do not let it boil.
  6. Stir the cooked sausage and fresh spinach into the sauce. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately. This quick dinner is a great alternative to using meal planning services.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
  • You can add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms along with the onions for extra flavor.
  • If you are interested in structured eating, this recipe works well for general meal planning.

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