Description
This Healthy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a quick and nutritious meal combining whole pasta with flavorful chicken sausage, fresh green beans, nutrient-rich spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Tossed in a light lemon-garlic sauce with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as spaghetti)
- 12 ounces fresh green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (or 1 cup fresh, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Protein
- 16 ounces chicken sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
Flavoring and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage pieces and brown them for 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and nicely caramelized.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped spinach and green beans to the skillet with the sausage. Cook them together for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but remain vibrant.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for an additional two minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Pour a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water into the skillet to loosen the sauce. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach if preferred, using about double the amount of frozen as fresh spinach reduces significantly when cooked.
- If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving is a delicious optional garnish.
