Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly flavorful baked pasta featuring savory chicken sausage. This hearty dish is designed to impress, perfect for feeding a crowd, sharing with loved ones, or enjoying as a satisfying family meal. Prepare to fill a generous 9×13-inch pan with pure culinary delight.
There are some meals that transcend the everyday, becoming instant classics and a source of unwavering joy. This baked pasta with chicken (or turkey) sausage is one such dish in our home. It’s consistently requested, always devoured, and holds a cherished spot among our most beloved recipes, right alongside our renowned Sweet and Sour Chicken. It possesses that magical quality often found in a truly exceptional restaurant dish, yet it’s entirely approachable for the home cook.
Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, studded with delectable pieces of flavorful chicken sausage, and brightened by fresh spinach, all crowned with a generous blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that promises warmth, satisfaction, and a chorus of appreciative sighs around the dinner table. Its robust flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering.
This irresistible baked pasta is truly a treasure trove of delicious ingredients. It starts with tender rigatoni noodles, chosen for their perfect shape that cradles the abundant sauce and small pockets of cheese. The creamy, robust sauce, simmering with aromatic garlic, onion, and a blend of diced and crushed tomatoes, creates a foundational flavor that is both deep and bright. Generous amounts of flavorful chicken or turkey sausage add a savory depth, while fresh spinach offers a welcome touch of color and a boost of nutrients. And, of course, no baked pasta is complete without a generous helping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, melting into golden perfection.
One of the many virtues of this recipe is its impressive yield. It conveniently fills a substantial 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring there’s plenty to go around, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply stocking your freezer with comforting meals. While the photos above might show a smaller 8×8-inch dish, rest assured that the full recipe is designed for a larger pan, providing a truly heaping portion. The smaller dish in the images is simply an overflow from when we halved the recipe, showcasing how adaptable this dish is to different needs and serving sizes.
Don’t let any preconceived notions about chicken or turkey sausage deter you. In this dish, it’s nothing short of spectacular. The precooked, smoked chicken or turkey sausage adds a fantastic savory element and a subtle smoky undertone that complements the tomato-based sauce beautifully. We often find ourselves fighting over the tender, flavorful nuggets of sausage, which is a testament to how well it integrates into the overall profile of the dish. Its versatility is such that we’ve incorporated it into numerous other pasta and rice recipes, always with delicious results. It’s a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, making this a lighter yet equally satisfying option.
Seriously, make this recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that promises to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. You absolutely will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions for Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage
Absolutely! This baked pasta is excellent for make-ahead meal prep. To freeze, assemble the casserole completely, but do not bake it. Allow it to cool thoroughly before wrapping it tightly. We recommend using a double layer of aluminum foil and then placing the entire covered pan into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible (you can even use a straw to suck out excess air). This careful wrapping helps to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals, preserving the quality of your dish for up to a couple of months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, follow the “Make Ahead Instructions” provided in the recipe notes for best results.
Yes, definitely! While red onion adds a touch of color and a slightly milder flavor, a white or yellow onion will work perfectly fine as a substitute. Use whatever type of onion you have on hand to make this recipe convenient and delicious.
Yes, absolutely! Whipping cream and heavy cream are very similar in fat content and consistency, making them interchangeable in most recipes, including this baked pasta. You won’t notice a significant difference in the final texture or richness of the sauce.
Certainly! This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even finely chopped carrots. Sauté harder vegetables like carrots and bell peppers with the onion before adding the garlic. Softer vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini can be added alongside the spinach to cook down in the sauce.
For this recipe, we recommend using a precooked smoked chicken or turkey sausage. These varieties are typically found near hot dogs or kielbasa in the grocery store. Their smoked flavor adds a wonderful depth to the pasta. Look for brands that offer a U-shape or fully cooked links that can be easily sliced. If you prefer a bit of spice, a mildly spicy Italian chicken sausage would also be a fantastic option, adding an extra layer of flavor complexity.
What to Serve With This Flavorful Baked Pasta
This hearty baked pasta with chicken sausage is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, consider a steamed veggie for a simple, healthy addition. For something a little more special, try this Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon, which brings a delightful sweet and savory crunch.
- Divine Breadsticks or a truly great dinner roll are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce. These Fluffy Whole Wheat Rolls are particularly excellent choices.
- For a lighter, protein-packed accompaniment, a small serving of cottage cheese provides a creamy, tangy complement.
- A dry, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would also pair beautifully with the flavors of this pasta.
Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage
8
Servings
15 minutes
55 minutes
1 hour
10 minutes
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
-
1 tablespoon
olive oil -
1 medium
red onion, chopped -
4 cloves
garlic, minced -
1 (14.5-ounce) can
diced tomatoes -
1 (14.5-ounce) can
crushed tomatoes -
½ teaspoon
dried oregano -
½ teaspoon
dried basil -
½ cup
heavy cream -
1 pound
rigatoni -
10 ounces
frozen baby spinach, thawed and drained well (can substitute 1 or 2 9-oz. bags fresh spinach) -
12 ounces
precooked smoked chicken, or turkey sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick (see note) -
8 ounces
mozzarella cheese, 4 ounces cut into 1/2-inch cubes and 4 ounces shredded -
¼ cup
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
To begin, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil – this is crucial for perfectly seasoned pasta. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, typically taking about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Next, add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir everything together well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen. Pour in the heavy cream and continue to cook until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
-
While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the rigatoni pasta in the boiling salted water according to package directions, aiming for about a minute less than al dente. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. If using fresh spinach, add it directly to the pot of boiling pasta right at the very end of the cooking time, allowing it to wilt for just about 30 seconds to a minute. Drain the pasta and spinach thoroughly, then return them to the large pot.
-
To the pot with the cooked pasta, add the prepared tomato sauce, sliced chicken or turkey sausage, the well-drained spinach, and the cubed mozzarella cheese. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and sausage is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, then scoop the pasta mixture evenly into it. If preferred, you can divide the mixture evenly between two 8×8-inch pans.
-
Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the pasta. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top, with the edges appearing crisp. Allow the baked pasta to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this helps the sauce to set and makes for easier serving.
Notes
Choosing Your Chicken Sausage: For this recipe, we specifically recommend a precooked smoked chicken or turkey sausage. You’ll typically find this type of sausage in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near hot dogs, kielbasa, or other specialty sausages. Brands like Jennie-O often offer it in a convenient U-shape, which is easy to slice. The smoked quality adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the pasta, distinguishing it from raw or unsmoked varieties. Feel free to experiment with different mild or even slightly spicy smoked chicken or turkey sausages to find your favorite!
Mel
Main Course
American
Bake
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Serving:
1
Serving
,
Calories:
505
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
55
g
,
Protein:
24
g
,
Fat:
22
g
,
Saturated Fat:
9
g
,
Cholesterol:
75
mg
,
Sodium:
841
mg
,
Fiber:
5
g
,
Sugar:
7
g
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: adapted from Martha Stewart Everyday Food