Chicken and Andouille Sausage Pasta with Creamy Smoked Mozzarella Sauce
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 c milk
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 c parmesan cheese
- 1/2 c heavy cream
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp coconut or avocado oil divided
- freshly grated parmesan
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and minced
- 1 lb chicken breast diced into 1†chunks
- 2/3 yellow onion diced
- 1 1/2 cup, red bell pepper large dice, about 1†pieces
- andouille sausage - 4 links ( 12 ounces) sliced into thin circles. - i like the smoked chicken andouille from trader joe’s
- 28 ounce container chopped tomatoes drained
- 8 ounces smoked mozzarella shredded
- 1 cup fresh basil thinly sliced
- Carbohydrate 37.0500192593962 g
- Cholesterol 137.934770428185 mg
- Fat 21.7457092797168 g
- Fiber 0.639051384929709 g
- Protein 34.3139375148555 g
- Saturated Fat 10.557428515627 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 (357g)
- Sodium 678.626876009894 mg
- Sugar 36.4109678744665 g
- Trans Fat 1.84396516546782 g
- Calories 485 calories
A Busy Mom's Go-To Comfort Food: Chicken and Andouille Sausage Pasta
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, PTA meetings, and trying to squeeze in a workout, finding time for a delicious, home-cooked meal often feels impossible. But let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of sitting down to a satisfying dinner that didn’t take hours to prepare. This Chicken and Andouille Sausage Pasta recipe is my secret weapon. It's quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful – a true lifesaver on busy weeknights.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It comes together in under 30 minutes, using ingredients I usually have on hand. The smoky Andouille sausage adds a depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish, while the creamy smoked mozzarella sauce provides a rich and satisfying texture. The chicken provides a lean protein source, so I don't feel guilty indulging in a little pasta comfort. My kids love it, and it’s even won over the pickiest eaters at our dinner table. Honestly, it's a win-win.
I often adapt this recipe based on what's in my fridge. Sometimes I'll add some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients, other times I’ll use different types of sausage, depending on what’s on sale. The versatility is a huge plus. It’s also great for meal prepping. I often make a big batch on Sunday and have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. This saves me so much time and stress during the week when I'm rushing around.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about bringing my family together. Dinner time is precious, a time for us to connect and share our day. A simple, delicious meal like this Chicken and Andouille Sausage Pasta helps create that warm, inviting atmosphere that makes our family dinners so special. It's more than just food; it's a foundation for creating memories and nurturing relationships.
Beyond its convenience and family-friendly nature, this recipe is also a reflection of my culinary philosophy. I believe in using fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. This ensures the best flavor and nutritional value. And while I love experimenting with new recipes, I also appreciate the comfort and reliability of a tried-and-true dish that I know my family will enjoy. This pasta dish perfectly embodies that philosophy.
In short, this Chicken and Andouille Sausage Pasta with Creamy Smoked Mozzarella Sauce isn't just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious meals in a busy life. It's a dish that nourishes not only the body but also the soul, bringing family together around a table filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of comfort food.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Fontina or Gruyere.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover magic: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping and reheats beautifully.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Step-by-step
- Prepare the penne pasta according to package directions, using salted water to cook. Reserve ½ c of the pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside.
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat one tablespoon of the coconut oil. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper then saute, stirring often until almost cooked, about 10 min. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Heat the remaining oil and add in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until caramelized, about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add in the seasonings - salt, pepper, basil and parsley and the red bell pepper. Stirring until the pepper is slightly softened.
- Add in the andouille sausage and cook another 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the chicken and tomatoes and the pasta stirring well. Let sit on low heat while the cream sauce is being made.
- Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium heat, whisk in the flour to form a paste, add in the cream and milk and stir well until heated but not bubbling.
- Add in the parmesan, tomato paste, salt and pepper and whisk until the sauce starts to thicken and the parmesan is melted.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture in the pan.
- Add in the sliced basil reserving some for on top of individual portions and serve.
- Top each serving with additional grated parmesan if desired.
