Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe

This Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a hearty, gluten-free dinner that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Featuring tender chicken thighs, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, this easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The addition of sun-dried tomato powder, fresh herbs, and a touch of smoked paprika brings a depth of flavor to the dish, while the creamy sauce ties it all together for a comforting meal. This gluten-free pasta recipe is customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or protein substitutions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this delicious, creamy pasta is sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Sausage:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 3 Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Pasta Sauce:

• 12 oz gluten-free mafalda pasta (or any preferred gluten-free pasta)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ bell pepper, diced small
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
• 5 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Sausage:
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage links.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the gluten-free mafalda pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
2. Season the Chicken and Sausage:
   In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with sun-dried tomato powder, garlic powder, thyme, basil, paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken and Sausage:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   In the same skillet, add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned. Transfer to the plate with the chicken.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet, followed by the diced bell pepper, minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the bell pepper softens.
   Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
   Add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Finish the Sauce:
   Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to your liking.
   Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s quick to make, gluten-free, and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. The balance of smoky sausage and fresh herbs gives this recipe a savory depth, while the creamy Parmesan sauce brings it all together into a satisfying meal.

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Tips

• Pasta Texture: Gluten-free pasta can sometimes get a little mushy, so be sure to cook it to al dente and rinse it briefly with cold water after draining to keep it from overcooking.
• Meat Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast, or use turkey sausage in place of Italian sausage.
• Creaminess Level: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more pasta water or a little extra cream if you prefer a creamier sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Add Vegetables: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies in the dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce to the sausage while cooking for a spicier version.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta of your choice, though make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using regular wheat pasta instead of gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken, sausage, and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh, tangy green salad to balance the richness of the creamy pasta. For an extra touch, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese or a handful of fresh basil leaves before serving.