Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s become a weekly staple in my house: Chicken Sausage Alfredo. Seriously, I get requests for it constantly. It’s like a dressed-up version of mac and cheese but with so much more flavor. I think of it as the quick weeknight version of a restaurant-quality meal, much easier to whip up than, say, a full-on lasagna, but just as satisfying. The creamy sauce, the savory sausage, the perfectly cooked pasta…it’s a symphony of deliciousness, and this Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe is one you’ll make over and over again!
What is chicken sausage Alfredo?
What is chicken sausage Alfredo? What do you think of this Alfredo pasta? It’s essentially pasta tossed in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce, studded with slices of flavorful ham. What is chicken sausage? The name comes from the classic Italian sauce that’s usually made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and arugula. I have a secret ingredient for heavy cream (though I will share later). What’s a comforting, hearty dish that’ll make you feel good on chilly evenings? What is truly satisfying? What is a good weeknight dinner?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I adore this Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe and why I think you will too. First and foremost, the flavor is simply incredible. You get the richness of the Alfredo sauce, the savory bite of the chicken sausage, and the comforting starchiness of the pasta. It’s a party in your mouth, I swear! What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Chicken sausage is usually pretty budget-friendly, and you probably have most of the other ingredients in your pantry already. We are saving money, people! But wait, there’s more! This dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the pasta, add vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feeling fancy? Try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. I’ve even thrown in some roasted broccoli when I need to get more greens into my kids. Speaking of similar recipes, if you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Pasta or Carbonara recipe. But trust me, this Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe is in a league of its own. It is truly exceptional!
How do I make chicken sausage Alfredo?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe is easier than you might think. Basically, you’ll cook your pasta, sauté the chicken sausage, whip up a ridiculously easy Alfredo sauce, and then toss everything together. The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. What makes this recipe special is the little tweaks I’ve made over the years to get the most flavorful and creamy sauce possible. I use a touch of Cream Cheese in the sauce – it adds a tanginess that you would never expect!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape) – I usually use fettuccine because it holds the sauce beautifully, but any pasta will work.
* Water for boiling
* Salt for the water (about 1 tablespoon) – Don’t skimp on the salt! It seasons the pasta from the inside out.
For the Chicken Sausage:
* 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced – I prefer using Italian-style chicken sausage, but you can use any flavor you like. Hot Italian Sausage will bring heat, apple sausage will bring a sweet touch!
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the sausage. You can also use butter for extra flavor.
For the Alfredo Sauce:
* 4 tablespoons butter – I always use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the sauce.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is key for the best flavor.
* 1 cup heavy cream – Don’t substitute with milk! You need the richness of heavy cream for a truly decadent Alfredo sauce. I did test it once with almond milk and it became sweet!
* 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened – This is my secret ingredient! It adds a tangy creaminess that takes the sauce to the next level.
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as well.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – Or more, to taste.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. I always save a little pasta water, because it helps to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic! It should be fragrant, not bitter.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cream Cheese
Add the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese. Pour in the hot water and stir to combine. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using cold cream cheese, make sure to whisk more. I try to leave mine out on the counter for 30 minutes before starting.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and pepper. Serve warm. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken sausage to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. I like my sauce to be nice and creamy, so I usually add about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve the Chicken Sausage Alfredo immediately. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. What’s your favorite way to serve fresh parsley?
What should I serve it with?
This Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, this is the recipe for you. What are some good serving suggestions?
For a Light Lunch:Serve with a side salad with vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of Alfredo sauce.
What is a hearty dinner?Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. What’s a good Caesar salad?
For a Special Occasion: Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. I also like to roast asparagus as a side.
My family’s favorite thing to add is a side of garlic bread. They love dipping it in the creamy sauce. This is my oldest daughter’s preferred side, she loves it!. Also, I think it’s fun to serve it during a football game get-together with friends. It goes very well.
How do I make chicken sausage Alfredo?
How do I make chicken sausage Alfredo? What are the top tips?
Don’t overcook the pasta: don’ Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
How do you use fresh parmesan cheese?Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. How do I add Parmesan cheese to a sauce?
Don’t burn the garlic!Cook the garlic over medium heat until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of sauce.
Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Season to Taste: What are the bestDon’t be afraid to season the sauce with salt and pepper. Taste it as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to the sauce, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. I also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
One day, I had run out of garlic and used garlic powder in my sauce, let me tell you, it was not the same flavor. Always go with fresh garlic; it makes a huge difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Chicken Sausage Alfredo, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Alfredo sauce might thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little milk or cream when you reheat it.
Room Temperature: I would not advise storing at room temperature for more than two hours. The sauce can spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the quality will degrade.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing. The texture of the sauce won’t be the same.
To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little milk or cream to thin out the sauce as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! And if you’re looking for other quick and easy weeknight meals, be sure to check out my recipes for Creamy Tomato Pasta and One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies. Now, go forth and conquer the kitchen! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you make any fun variations!
Chicken Sausage Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage sliced
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with black pepper and mix in the cooked pasta until well coated. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
