Are you craving a delicious and satisfying dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Italian sausage and chicken recipe is a perfect blend of savory flavors and tender textures, ready in under an hour. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. This healthy and quick dinner idea is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Get ready to experience the best recipes – simplified!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage and chicken sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- For extra flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the sausage and chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage and chicken with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
Enjoy this easy and delicious Italian sausage and chicken recipe! It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed it!