Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta! This recipe is a delightful combination of savory chicken sausage, vibrant pesto, perfectly cooked pasta, and a touch of creamy goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you want a comforting and flavorful dish.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of chicken sausage, pesto, and pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, this recipe takes around 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice when you’re short on time.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle all work well)
* **Chicken Sausage:** 1 pound of Italian chicken sausage, removed from casings
* **Pesto:** 1 cup of prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cherry tomatoes, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Cook the Pasta

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding enough salt is crucial for properly flavoring the pasta. Aim for about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. The water should taste like the ocean.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Usually, this is one or two minutes less than the package instructions state for fully cooked pasta.
* Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help create a creamy sauce.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

### 2. Prepare the Chicken Sausage

* While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Remove the chicken sausage from its casings. This can be done by slicing the casing lengthwise with a sharp knife and peeling it away.
* Add the chicken sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
* Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.

### 3. Sauté the Garlic

* Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

### 4. Make the Sauce

* Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Simmering the cream helps it thicken slightly and incorporate the flavors of the garlic.
* Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that pesto and Parmesan cheese are both salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

### 5. Combine Everything

* Add the cooked pasta and chicken sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water contains starch, which will help thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.

### 6. Serve

* Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your dish. Opt for fresh pesto, good quality chicken sausage, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unappetizing. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is a key ingredient in this recipe. It helps to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** This recipe is easily customizable. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique version.
* **Spice it Up:** For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sautéed cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions to this dish.
* **Use Different Types of Sausage:** While Italian chicken sausage is the classic choice, you can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille.
* **Make it Lighter:** For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

## Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are some ideas to get you started:

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken sausage and add extra vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Creamy Tomato:** Add a can of diced tomatoes to the sauce for a creamy tomato-based pesto pasta.
* **Mushroom and Spinach:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and spinach with the garlic for a flavorful and nutritious addition.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke:** Add sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta:** Grill chicken breasts or thighs and slice them into strips to add to the pasta.

## Serving Suggestions

Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Caprese Salad:** A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a classic Italian appetizer that pairs well with pesto pasta.
* **Bruschetta:** Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic is another great Italian appetizer option.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, microwave the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 600-800 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 60-80g

## Conclusion

Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this delightful pasta dish!

## Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Brian’s Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes

**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Total Time:** 30 minutes

**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
* 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, removed from casings
* 1 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked pasta and chicken sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Add pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

**Enjoy!**