Italian chicken sausage adds bold, savory flavors to your meals. It’s a healthier choice than traditional pork sausage, with fewer calories but just as much taste. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a dish to impress at a party.
Making your own Italian chicken sausage is easy. Mix ground chicken with olive oil and spices like fennel, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and herbs. This ingredient is great for many dishes, from pasta to one-skillet meals. It’s perfect for those who are always on the go.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Italian chicken sausage is lower in calories compared to traditional pork sausage.
- Chicken sausage brings bold, savory flavors to a variety of dishes.
- Chicken sausage can be used in pasta, pizza, soup, stew, and other recipes.
- Chicken sausage dishes can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
- Chicken sausage recipes cater to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarianism.
How to Choose and Prepare Italian Chicken Sausage
Quality italian chicken sausage is key to making tasty Italian dishes. It can turn a simple pasta dish or sheet pan meal into something special. Choosing the right sausage and preparing it well makes a big difference.
Selecting Quality Ground Chicken
Start with fresh, lean ground chicken for your sausage. Make sure it’s free from fillers and preservatives. This way, your sausage will have a pure, natural taste.
Essential Seasonings and Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds or 1 teaspoon of ground fennel
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram
Preparation Tips and Techniques
Mix the ground chicken with olive oil and spices. Chill it for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to blend the flavors. Then, shape it into patties or crumbles and cook until browned and done.
For store-bought sausage, choose products with few additives. Slice it diagonally for even cooking. Cook in a skillet or roast in the oven.
By following these steps, you’ll make delicious italian chicken sausage dishes. They’ll impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich flavors of homemade or store-bought sausage in your favorite recipes.
Quick and Easy Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipes
Make your weeknight dinner special with quick and easy Italian chicken sausage pasta recipes. These dishes mix the tasty flavors of Italian chicken sausage with pasta and fresh veggies. They make for a fulfilling meal.
Try One Pot Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage for a tasty, quick meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. It has penne pasta, mild Italian chicken sausage, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy nights.
For a spicy-sweet dish, try Creamy Chicken Sausage and Spinach Ravioli Bake. It has a creamy sauce with roasted butternut squash, spinach, and a bit of heat from Italian chicken sausage. Add a side salad for a full, restaurant-quality meal.
Want a bold dish? Make Cajun-inspired Chicken Sausage Jambalaya Pasta. It’s packed with penne, Italian chicken sausage, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and Creole seasoning. It’s a flavorful and hearty option.
These Italian chicken sausage pasta recipes are perfect for any weeknight. They offer great flavor with little effort. Enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal in no time.
“Pasta is a go-to weeknight meal, and adding Italian chicken sausage takes it to the next level of flavor and satisfaction.”
Sheet Pan Meals with Italian Chicken Sausage
Make weeknights easier with sheet pan meals using Italian chicken sausage. These dishes are simple to make and full of flavor. Try two tasty options that your family will love.
Mediterranean Vegetable Medley
Start with grape tomatoes, bell peppers, and sweet onions for a colorful dish. Roast them at 425°F for 30 minutes. Then, add sliced Italian chicken sausage and cook for 10-15 minutes more.
Season with dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a Mediterranean taste. Serve over quinoa or with bread for a full meal.
Roasted Bell Pepper and Onion Combination
Try a simple dish with roasted bell peppers and onions and Italian chicken sausage. Cut the veggies into equal pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 45 minutes, stirring now and then.
Add the sausage for the last 15 minutes. Cook until everything is tender and caramelized. This dish goes well with rice, pasta, or a salad.
Herb and Seasoning Suggestions
- Dried oregano
- Fresh or dried basil
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
These sheet pan meals with Italian chicken sausage are great for busy nights. Try different veggies and spices to find your family’s favorite. Enjoy these meals to make with chicken sausage and chicken & sausage recipes for a tasty dinner.
One-Skillet Italian Chicken Sausage Dinners
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try one-skillet dishes with Italian chicken sausage. They’re easy to make and clean up is a breeze. You can mix chicken sausage with beans and rice for a filling dinner.
Or, sauté chicken sausage with bell peppers, onions, and herbs for a flavorful dish. For a cozy meal, make a chicken sausage and vegetable hash. It’s great for any time of day.
These meals are great because you can change them up to your liking. Try different veggies, spices, and seasonings to keep things exciting. With prep and cooking times under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Looking for chicken sausage recipes or ways to use this protein? These one-skillet dinners are a great choice. Enjoy a complete meal in one pan, with the delicious taste of Italian chicken sausage.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients and preparation steps for homemade Italian chicken sausage?
To make homemade Italian chicken sausage, you need ground chicken, olive oil, and seasonings. Use fennel seeds, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to let the flavors meld.
Then, cook the sausage in a hot skillet until it’s browned and cooked through. This will give you a delicious homemade Italian chicken sausage.
How can I use Italian chicken sausage in pasta dishes?
Italian chicken sausage is great with pasta. Mix cooked sausage with your favorite pasta, sautéed veggies, and a simple sauce. Try it with spicy-sweet pasta or creamy sauces like spinach and squash ravioli.
For a heartier dish, make a jambalaya-style pasta with chicken sausage, veggies, and bold spices. It’s a tasty and satisfying option.
What are some easy sheet pan meals I can make with Italian chicken sausage?
Sheet pan meals with Italian chicken sausage are easy and tasty. Try a Mediterranean dish with grape tomatoes, bell peppers, and sweet onions. Roast the veggies first, then add sliced chicken sausage and roast some more.
Season with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You can also try different veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or Brussels sprouts.
How can I incorporate Italian chicken sausage into one-skillet meals?
One-skillet meals with chicken sausage are perfect for quick dinners. Try a dish with chicken sausage, beans, and rice for a protein-packed meal. Or, make a skillet with chicken sausage, bell peppers, and onions, seasoned with Italian herbs.
For a comforting meal, make a chicken sausage and vegetable hash. These one-pan dishes are great for busy weeknights or meal prep, as they’re easy to clean up.
Italian Chicken Sausage
Equipment
- Skillet
- Roasting Pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp fennel seeds or 1 tsp ground fennel
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
Instructions
- Mix the ground chicken with olive oil and spices. Chill for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Shape into patties or crumbles.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked through.
- Serve with your choice of pasta, on a sheet pan with roasted vegetables, or as a one-pan dinner with rice or beans.
Nutrition
Source Links
- 30 Recipes with Chicken Sausage – https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/cozy-chicken-sausage-recipes/?srsltid=AfmBOoosSLh6Qz0IEk4KNyZaTDU8YFuV7odW9bqOFIb1obkOpC2EN9ab
- Easy Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner – https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/italian-chicken-sausage-sheet-pan-meal-with-veggies/
- One Skillet Cheese Tortellini with Chicken Sausage – The Seasoned Mom – https://www.theseasonedmom.com/one-skillet-chicken-sausage-tortellini/
- Italian Sausage and Lentils – https://highlandsranchfoodie.com/sausage-and-lentils/
- Escarole Pasta with Sausage and Peppers – https://www.skinnytaste.com/pasta-with-italian-chicken-sausage-2/
- One Pot Pasta with Sausage – Kristine’s Kitchen – https://kristineskitchenblog.com/5-ingredient-one-pot-pasta-with-chicken-sausage/
- Chicken Sausage & Brussels Sprouts Pasta – Carol Bee Cooks – https://carolbeecooks.com/italian-chicken-sausage-brussels-sprouts-pasta/
- Sheet Pan Chicken and Sausage with Potatoes – https://www.greatgrubdelicioustreats.com/sheet-pan-chicken-and-sausage/
- Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Bake – https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/sheet-pan-chicken/
- One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo – https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/one-pan-chicken-sausage-and-orzo/
- Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet – https://iwashyoudry.com/chicken-zucchini-pasta-skillet/
- One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo. – https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/skillet-tuscan-chicken-and-orzo/