Chicken sausage pasta is a quick and easy dinner that features precooked chicken sausage, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s made in under 20 minutes!
When there is little time to prepare dinner, you need quick ideas. This recipe is a complete meal that is ready for your family just in time for dinner. Plus, kids love chicken sausage so it’s a win-win!
The pasta cooks right in the same pan as the rest of the dish, cutting back on dishes and time! For more one-pan meals, check out Chuck Roast in the Oven, Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup and Gluten Free Chicken Enchiladas.
Who can resist pasta?! This dish has the penne pasta cook right in the sauce, making this recipe a one-pan dinner idea. It also means fewer dishes to wash after the meal!
This chicken sausage is easy to use. It’s fully cooked, and has 70% less fat than regular pork sausage along with 30% less sodium. It’s packed with flavor and can be used in many ways.
Chicken sausage is so versatile, it works with pasta, veggies, and tastes amazing in a vegetable skillet. Our chicken and sausage pasta is sure to become a family favorite that is requested frequently!
Substitution Ideas
It is important to note for this recipe and other recipes you find on our site that you can always consider using ingredients that you have on hand.
Check out these recipe variations for this sausage dinner:
- Chicken sausage: use ground chicken, beef or turkey or pork, beef, or turkey sausage links.
- Diced tomatoes: swap the canned tomatoes with 1 cup of fresh roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Chicken broth: vegetable or beef broth, evaporated milk or unsweetened coconut milk can be substituted.
- Gluten-free penne pasta: swap with gluten-free spaghetti, rotini, elbow, bowtie or any other pasta shape.
- Cream cheese: use 1/4 cup heavy cream, half and half or 4 oz of dairy free cream cheese in place of the cream cheese.
- Spinach: in addition, or in place of the spinach, use zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, kale, squash, broccoli or frozen peas.
We are excited to partner with Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. When shopping in-store or online for pickup, I find that their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package chicken sausage, sliced ✅
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes ✅
- 1 1/2 cups Simple Truth Organic chicken broth
- 2 cups dry gluten-free penne pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese ✅
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make Chicken Sausage Penne Pasta
In a large saucepan, begin by sautéing the diced onion in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it turns translucent. This step forms the flavorful base of our dish. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken sausage by browning it for 1-2 minutes in the same pan, infusing it with a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances its natural juices and texture.
Next, add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pan, allowing their flavors to blend together. Adjust the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil before incorporating the dry gluten-free penne pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in the broth. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes (or per box instructions), or until it reaches al dente texture. If using regular pasta, adjust the simmer time accordingly, aiming for about 7 minutes.
As the pasta cooks, it’s time to add the final touches that will elevate this dish to new heights of flavor and texture. Carefully stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, imparting a creamy richness that complements the tanginess of the tomatoes and the savory notes of the sausage. Then, add the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt, adding vibrant color and a nutritious boost to the meal. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the creamy sausage and spinach pasta hot. This dish is sure to become a new favorite, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
What To Serve With Pasta?
This sausage meal can be served any night of the week or on the weekend. As a complete meal, you can serve as is or create a larger spread by pairing with a side.
Consider a leafy green side salad drizzled with dressing or a slice of Artisan Bread dipped in olive oil and parmesan cheese.
- You can also serve with roasted veggies such as Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, Roasted Frozen Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Frozen Cauliflower or Roasted Frozen Vegetables.
- Add in an extra protein like Poached Shrimp, Boiled Shrimp or Air Fry Shrimp.
- Skip the spinach if it’s something your kids wouldn’t eat, but it adds such a pretty pop of color and a great boost of nutrition.
- Swap the spinach with another vegetable such as zucchini, squash or broccoli.
You can also top this pasta with fresh mozzarella, burrata or grated parmesan cheese to add the perfect final touch. You will be amazed at how this one ingredient can make a world of difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
You will want to stick with fresh or frozen vegetables for this recipe as canned veggies often become too mushy when heated. You can however, served canned vegetables such as peas, carrots or green beans on the side.
Easily turn this recipe dairy free by omitting the cream cheese or swapping for a dairy-free alternative.
Top with cheese (mozzarella, burrata or parmesan), add fresh basil, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes to this already flavorful meal.
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and cook in a larger pot that is able to hold all the pasta. This is a great option if looking to feed a crowd.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Translucent means the onions will turn almost clear (versus white). Onions will also start to smell sweet as they are sauteed.
- “Brown the sausage” means to cook the meat until there is no pink. Chopping into small chunks, letting simmer, stirring then repeating until fully cooked is the best method for browning sausage.
- “Simmer” is a cooking method that requires low heat to thoroughly cook the ingredient. In this recipe, you simmer the pasta so it can absorb the liquid resulting in perfectly cooked pasta.
- Cutting the block of cream cheese into smaller chunks can help it melt quicker and make it easier to stir in the pan.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
In the fridge: Add to a covered container and store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
In the freezer: We don’t recommend freezing this recipe because of the cream cheese. When reheated, it may result in an unappetizing texture.
If freezing is desired, make the recipe as written without adding in the cream cheese then store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat the next day. During reheating, is when you can add in the cream cheese.
Reheating Instructions
Add to a microwave safe bowl or back into a stovetop pan to reheat until hot. Add in a splash of broth to rehydrate the pasta and keep the dish from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Chicken Sausage Recipes
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 package chicken sausage, sliced ✅
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes ✅
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth ✅
- 2 cups dry gluten-free penne pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed ✅
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- ⭐️Saute the onion. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion until translucent.1 medium onion, diced, 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ⭐️Brown the sausage. Add sliced chicken sausage, cooking for 1-2 minutes to brown the sausage.1 package chicken sausage, sliced
- ⭐️Add the tomatoes, broth, and pasta. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Adjust heat to bring to a boil. Add penne pasta. Cover and turn the heat down to simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. (Simmer for 7 minutes if using regular pasta rather than gluten-free).14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 cups dry gluten-free penne pasta
- ⭐️Add cream cheese, spinach, and seasoning. Carefully stir in the cream cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.4 ounces cream cheese, cubed, 1 cup spinach, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Video
Notes
Substitutions
- Chicken sausage: use ground chicken, beef or turkey or pork, beef, or turkey sausage links.
- Diced tomatoes: swap the canned tomatoes with 1 cup of fresh roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Chicken broth: vegetable or beef broth can be substituted.
- Gluten-free penne pasta: swap with gluten-free spaghetti, rotini, elbow, bowtie or any other pasta shape.
- Cream cheese: use 1/4 cup heavy cream, half and half or 4 oz of dairy free cream cheese in place of the cream cheese.
- Spinach: in addition, or in place of the spinach, use zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, kale, squash, broccoli or frozen peas.
Nutrition
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Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I honestly dont know what I want to eat first since they all look spectacular. I love everyone of these so I guess I will start with that yummy pasta dish!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks, Claudia! The penne was a favorite at my house, I hope you enjoy!
Veena Azmanov says
Now that is one awesome post with three good recipes. Love the simplicity and detail on this post. We love penne in our home and sausage is always a great welcome. Saving this for later.
Create Kids Club says
So glad to hear, Veena! I do love simple, it makes life so much easier on busy nights!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I love love love this!! Anything that makes the weeknight dinner grind a little easier gets a vote from me. I want to try that sausage penne this week!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Kylee! I’d love to hear how you like it! 🙂
Wanda Lopez says
They all look fabulous and delicious. I am always looking for meals that are easy and fast to make.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks, Wanda! I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Tina says
Not one but three incredible weeknight dinner meals, thank you so much! I’ve wanted to try chicken sausage for a while now and was nervous my family wouldn’t like it. But…these look delicious and I’ll be trying one tonight!
Create Kids Club says
I find chicken sausage to be so versatile, Tina. My kids (and husband!) love it and I love that I can use it in so many different ways!
Tammy says
Love the variations here! Each dish looks more delicious than the next…I especially love the ease of sheet pan dinners. Makes life so much easier ^_^
Create Kids Club says
I can’t agree with you more on the sheet pan dinners, Tammy! I love that there is little to no clean up too! Added bonus 🙂
Heather says
Gorgeous pics and this recipe is making me drool! Busy weeknights are always better with an amazing recipe like this!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks, Heather! I agree on the busy weeknights. Having a quick plan always helps!
Priya Srinivasan says
You got us in that Title 3 meals under 20 minutes!! All 3 looks fab! And that pasta with chicken sausage must be a clear winner with adults and kids together! Looks fabulous!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks, Priya! And you are correct – my kids loved the penne! It worked great for a week of lunches too! 🙂
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
What great meals!! Sometimes we just don’t have time for complicated recipes but we don’t want to sacrifice taste or nutrition. They all look and sound fantastic. I’m pinning so I don’t lose them.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks so much, Marisa! I totally agree. I love cooking, but with small kids it becomes challenging to make complicated dinners. I love finding products that can make life a little bit easier (and tastier too!).
Nikki says
Question: for the pasta- is it a 16 Oz bag? Or two cups of dried pasta? Tia
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Nikki! I used 2 cups of dry pasta (which should be close to 16 oz.). I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Jessica says
The penne recipe sounds amazing! We are dairy free though, any recommendations for a substitute for the cream cheese?
Thanks!!
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Jessica! You could try some of the dairy-free cream cheese versions. I don’t have experience with them, but they might work. If you do, maybe try it in a small portion to see how it works before adding it to the whole recipe. Otherwise, you could simply skip the cream cheese. You won’t get the creamy flavor, but the dish should still taste amazing! I’d love to hear if you give it a try.
jeanne says
I used the dairy free cream cheese and it worked out perfect. I use Tofutti Sour Cream.
Jocelyn says
I have made this twice (it’s a family favorite). My kids eat it, but the pick out the spinach…my older son says he things it would be even better with shrimp, I’m going to have to try it with shrimp next time!
Joe S says
For 6 servings, is it 1 1/2 cups or just 1/2 cup of chicken broth?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Joe – It’s 1 1/2 cups of broth. The pasta cooks in the broth and absorbs some along the way.
Preet says
Hi Jodi, what else can i use instead of chicken broth?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
You could swap for vegetable broth, evaporated milk, or even just try using water. I hope you enjoy it!
Holly says
I was searching for a recipe on google with chicken & penne in it.. This recipe popped up.I made it that night for dinner.Both my husband & I enjoyed it very much.So glad I found it!😀👍
Jeanette says
Really good combo! I was looking for a chicken sausage recipe that was a one pan meal and this came out great. I added 2 cloves of garlic along with the onions because I love garlic. I used Italian sausage and fire roasted tomatoes with no additional cheese. I didn’t add any additional salt or pepper since the dish was already pretty flavorful. My gluten free bow tie pasta box took about 12 mins to cook.
Jenessa says
I made this tonight and added some garlic powder and it made it so much more flavorful! My kids didn’t like it unfortunately, but all of the adults devoured it.
Kim says
Thank you for the measurements at the end of each instruction! Super helpful not to scroll back.