Name: One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup sausage, crumbled; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

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This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sausage is the kind of comfort food I turn to on busy weeknights. It's rich, hearty, and full of flavor, thanks to the creamy cheese sauce, savory sausage, tender chicken, and a generous helping of fresh spinach. Best of all, it’s made in a single pot for minimal cleanup.

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sausage

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 cup sausage, crumbled

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. I remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Next, I add the crumbled sausage to the same pot, cooking it until browned, around 5-6 minutes, and set it aside with the chicken.

I toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then I add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together and bringing it to a simmer.

I add the pasta and cook it until tender, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).

I stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes.

Then, I return the chicken and sausage to the pot, along with mozzarella and Parmesan. I stir everything until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy and well mixed.

I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different green.

For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Smoked sausage or turkey sausage adds a new flavor twist.

I like using different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a unique taste.

I’ve tried it with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and it works well too.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave it in short bursts or warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

How do I keep the pasta from sticking to the pot?

I stir it occasionally while cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, I’ve used pre-cooked sausage before. I just slice or crumble it and heat it briefly in the pot before combining everything.

What type of pasta works best?

I prefer short pasta like penne or rotini. They hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. I skip the chicken and sausage and add mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, I use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version. It changes the flavor slightly but still tastes great.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sausage is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want a satisfying solo dinner, this dish never disappoints.

Recipe:

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sausage

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A hearty and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, cook the crumbled sausage until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside with the chicken.
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Add pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.