Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

This incredible Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo brings together savory Italian-style sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy Alfredo sauce for a restaurant-quality pasta dish you can make in just 20 minutes. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning Fast: From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
• One-Pan Wonder: Most of the magic happens in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward!
• Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy Alfredo sauce paired with flavorful chicken sausage appeals to even picky eaters, making it a family favorite.
• Balanced Meal: This pasta dish incorporates protein, veggies, and carbs all in one satisfying plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fettuccine pasta: The classic pasta choice for Alfredo sauce—its wide, flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Chicken sausage: Specifically Spinach & Asiago flavor adds a wonderful depth and saves you from having to season plain chicken. It’s already packed with flavor!
• Alfredo sauce: Using a quality jarred sauce saves tons of time, but still delivers that rich, creamy texture we all crave.
• Red onion: Adds a slight sweetness and beautiful purple color contrast to the dish.
• Cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of freshness cut through the richness of the cream sauce and add beautiful color.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the ingredients and adds a subtle flavor foundation.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Reserved pasta water: The secret ingredient that helps the sauce cling to the pasta—never dump it all down the drain!

Variations

Want to customize this dish? Here are some delicious options:

• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, broccoli florets, or asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Protein Swap: Try using Italian sausage, shrimp, or even sliced chicken breast instead of the chicken sausage.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free fettuccine—the rest of the recipe remains the same.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining!

Step 3: Add Sausage and Tomatoes

Push the cooked onions to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side. Slice the chicken sausages diagonally into 1/4-inch pieces and add them to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the tomatoes begin to burst.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Drain the pasta, remembering to save that precious 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the cooked fettuccine, reserved pasta water, Alfredo sauce, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce is heated through and coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Divide among plates and serve immediately while hot and creamy. If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggests for the perfect texture—it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Cherry Tomato Technique: If you want more tomato flavor throughout the dish, lightly press some of the cherry tomatoes with a spoon while cooking to release their juices.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer for an extra minute or add a bit more Parmesan.
• Prep Ahead: Slice the onions and sausage earlier in the day to make dinner assembly even faster.

How to Serve

This Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich pasta.

Garlic Bread

What pasta dish isn’t improved by some warm, buttery garlic bread for sauce-scooping?

Wine Pairing

A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce during storage.

Freezing

While possible, cream-based pasta dishes aren’t ideal for freezing as they can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use any type of chicken sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Spinach & Asiago flavor recommended adds wonderful complexity, feel free to substitute with your favorite variety. Italian-style, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomato chicken sausages would all work beautifully in this dish.

My sauce seems too thick. What went wrong?
Pasta sauce thickens quickly as it cools. The simple fix is adding more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, while the dish is still hot. This starchy water helps maintain the silky texture without diluting the flavor.

Can I make this dish healthier?
Definitely! Try whole wheat fettuccine for more fiber, use a lighter Alfredo sauce (or make your own with milk instead of cream), and increase the vegetables by adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutrients while keeping the delicious flavor profile.

I don’t have cherry tomatoes. What can I substitute?
Regular tomatoes diced into chunks work well, though they’ll release more liquid than cherry tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) make an excellent alternative, adding concentrated flavor. You could also use roasted red peppers for a different but complementary flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo combines the comfort of a classic pasta dish with the convenience modern cooks need. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With its creamy sauce, flavorful sausage, and bright bursts of tomato, it’s sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

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