If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening, you’ve got to try this Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of savory Italian chicken sausage, bright and fresh homemade pesto, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish brings together simple ingredients in such a soulful way that it quickly becomes your go-to for those nights when you want something both effortless and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the fragrant basil to the tender chicken sausage, making the dish vibrant, hearty, and beautifully balanced. It’s amazing how such straightforward elements can come together to create a flavor-packed feast.
- 4 cups pasta, cooked: Choose your favorite pasta shape; it’s the perfect base to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- 3 Italian chicken sausages: Adds a savory, mildly spiced protein that brings heartiness and texture.
- 1 cup tomatoes: Provides a fresh, juicy burst that lightens the dish and adds color.
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, cut in half: Creamy and mild, these melt slightly to add subtle richness.
- 2 cups fresh basil: The herbaceous soul of the pesto, keeping it bright and fragrant.
- 1/4 cup pine nuts: Adds a natural buttery crunch that’s quintessential in pesto.
- 1 lemon, juiced: A splash of citrus to brighten and balance the flavors wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: The smooth, fruity base that brings everything together.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty kick essential to classic pesto.
- 2 garlic cloves: Pungent and aromatic, these deepen the flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: To season and enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: An extra punch of garlic goodness that complements the fresh cloves.
- Optional – Additional fresh basil and grated parmesan for topping: Perfect for elevating the dish’s presentation and flavor at the end.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set it aside warm; the pasta is the perfect canvas ready to hold all those gorgeous flavors we’re about to mix in.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Pesto
Grab a blender or food processor and toss in your fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated parmesan, pine nuts, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Blend it until smooth and vibrant – this homemade pesto is the secret ingredient that gives this Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe its unforgettable, fresh taste.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage
While your pesto is coming together, cook the chicken sausages over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Slicing them once cooked brings lovely chunks of juicy, savory sausage into the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine your al dente pasta with the fresh tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and sliced chicken sausage. This layering starts the magic, mixing warm and fresh elements that contrast beautifully with the pesto.
Step 5: Toss with Homemade Pesto
Drizzle the vibrant pesto over the pasta mixture and toss everything together with love until the pesto coats every piece. This step is where all the flavors marry, creating that soulful comfort food experience you crave during a hectic week.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Top your pasta with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan if you want that restaurant-level finishing touch. These extras add freshness and a little bit of elegance to this easy dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—dig in! This Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe is best enjoyed immediately while warm and bursting with flavors. Get ready for compliments and maybe a request to make it again soon.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese are classic garnishes that add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add that extra wow factor that makes this dish shine.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette or warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover pesto and sauce. These sides complement the rich and herby pasta beautifully without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this in individual pasta bowls for cozy dinners or plated on large serving platters for family-style meals. For a festive touch, you can add roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top. Presentation makes this comforting dish feel special enough for guests or weeknight indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While the pasta tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Just be sure to undercook the pasta slightly next time if you plan to freeze, so it doesn’t become mushy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This approach keeps the sausage juicy and revives the fresh flavor of the pesto.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian chicken sausage adds great flavor without being too heavy, spicy or pork sausages work well too. Just pick your favorite and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is store-bought pesto okay?
You can definitely use store-bought pesto to save time, but making your own with fresh basil and lemon juice really elevates this dish and brings bright, fresh flavors that are hard to beat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken sausage and add extra veggies like grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to keep it hearty and delicious.
What pasta goes best with this recipe?
Any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rotini works wonderfully because they hold onto the pesto and mix well with the other ingredients.
How spicy is this Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe?
This recipe is mild but flavorful, with just a hint of pepper. You can add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. It brings comfort and freshness together in a way that feels special but is completely achievable any night of the week. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become one of your favorites just like it is mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and delicious Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish combines savory Italian chicken sausage, fresh pesto made from basil and pine nuts, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella balls, tossed with pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 cups pasta, cooked
Chicken Sausage and Vegetables
- 3 Italian chicken sausages
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, cut in half
Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Additional fresh basil
- Grated parmesan
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, pine nuts, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy to form the pesto sauce.
- Cook Sausages: Cook the Italian chicken sausages according to package instructions, usually by pan-searing or grilling until fully cooked through. Once done, slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, halved mozzarella balls, chopped tomatoes, and sliced chicken sausage, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Add Pesto: Pour the freshly made pesto sauce over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated and combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with additional fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan for extra flavor and garnish before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal your whole family will love.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- You can substitute chicken sausage with other sausage varieties if desired.
- Make the pesto ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days to save time.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pine nuts lightly before blending.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
