Creamy Chicken Sausage & Sage Pasta with Mushrooms
Ingredients
Tap the ingredients you have on hand
- 1 tbsp olive oil≈ $0.15
- 1 lb Chicken Sausage, casings removed, crumbled≈ $4.30
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced≈ $4.85
- 2 cloves garlic, minced≈ $0.10
- 1 tsp dried sage≈ $0.10
- 1/2 cup milk≈ $0.65
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (e.g., Parmesan)≈ $0.60missing
- Salt to taste≈ $0.25
- Pepper to taste≈ $1.10
- 12 oz pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)≈ $5.95missing
Prices are rough US grocery estimates per ingredient and may vary by store and season.
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crumbled chicken sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- 3
Add sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and cook until tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and dried sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in milk and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the grated cheese. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
About this recipe
This creamy chicken sausage and sage pasta delivers a truly satisfying weeknight meal in about 30 minutes. It's a quick and easy dinner that combines savory chicken sausage with earthy mushrooms and aromatic sage, all coated in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for busy evenings, this Italian-inspired pasta dish offers comforting flavors that make it a family favorite without a lot of fuss.
Whether you're looking for a quick dinner idea or a flavorful pasta recipe, this dish fits the bill. The simple ingredients come together beautifully, creating a hearty and delicious option that will impress even the pickiest eaters. It’s an ideal choice when you crave a gourmet taste with minimal effort.
The story behind it
The tradition of combining hearty sausage with aromatic herbs and pasta runs deep in Italian-American kitchens, a testament to making the most of available ingredients while celebrating robust flavors. This particular dish might remind you of a Nonna's impromptu creation, where humble pantry staples like dried sage and a splash of milk were transformed into a comforting, soul-nourishing meal after a long day's work. It embodies the spirit of resourceful, delicious home cooking.
Chef's tips
- 1Brown the crumbled chicken sausage thoroughly to develop deep, savory flavors before adding other ingredients.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown instead of steam.
- 3Add a splash of pasta cooking water to your sauce for extra creaminess and to help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- 4Always grate your cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor intensity in the final dish.
- 5Taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels at the end, as the chicken sausage and cheese can contribute significant seasoning.
Ways to make it your own
Substitute unsweetened almond or oat milk for cow's milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep it creamy.
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that complements the savory sausage and sage.
Swap traditional pasta for whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free option to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently asked
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken sausage for this pasta recipe?+
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, but you may want to add extra seasoning like a pinch of fennel seed or paprika to mimic the sausage flavor.
What kind of mushrooms are best for this creamy pasta dish?+
Cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully, offering a mild, earthy flavor, but sliced shiitake or oyster mushrooms would also be delicious.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it seems too thin?+
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, or stir in a small amount of a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) until desired consistency is reached.
Is it possible to prepare this chicken sausage pasta ahead of time?+
While best served fresh, you can cook the sauce components ahead and store them separately from the pasta; reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
Why is my sage pasta dish tasting bland?+
Ensure you're tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the milk and cheese, as these components often need proper seasoning to truly shine.