Creamy Chicken & Sausage Fettuccine Ragu
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Creamy Chicken & Sausage Fettuccine Ragu. This dish pairs succulent chunks of Italian sausage and tender chicken thighs with a robust tomato sauce, accented by aromatic spices and finished with a velvety cream cheese that adds depth and creaminess. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe brings a delightful combination of protein and rich flavors to your table in under an hour. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for an exquisite touch.
6
Servings
399
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fettuccine
8 ounces (Cook according to package directions)
Italian sausage
1 lb (Cut into 1-inch chunks)
Skinless boneless chicken thigh
1 lb (Cut into 1-inch chunks)
Onion
1 cup (Diced)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Fennel seed
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Dry red wine
1/2 cup (N/A)
Diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (Canned with juice)
Low sodium chicken broth
1 cup (N/A)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Bay leaf
1 (N/A)
Cream cheese
2 ounces (N/A)
Parmesan cheese
To taste (Shredded for garnish)
Fresh parsley
To taste (Chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and chicken pieces. Cook, stirring frequently, until they are browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
6
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve the ragu over the cooked fettuccine. Garnish each plate with shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
33g
Carbs
29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Sausage Fettuccine Ragu?
It is a rich and hearty pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, chicken thighs, and a creamy tomato-based sauce.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of Italian sausage and 1 lb of skinless, boneless chicken thighs.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, though thighs stay more tender in the ragu.
What type of pasta works best for this ragu?
Fettuccine is recommended for this recipe, though other long pasta like linguine could also work.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
The dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it great for a family dinner.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted or omitted to suit your preference.
What makes the sauce creamy?
Two ounces of cream cheese are stirred into the sauce until melted, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
Can I substitute the dry red wine?
You can use extra chicken broth or a splash of red wine vinegar mixed with water if you prefer not to use alcohol.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 399 calories, 15g of fat, 33g of carbohydrates, and 29g of protein.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free fettuccine alternative to make the dish gluten-free.
What should I serve with this fettuccine ragu?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, the ragu sauce freezes well; however, the pasta is best when cooked fresh.
What is the purpose of the fennel seeds?
Fennel seeds provide a classic Italian aromatic flavor that complements the sausage.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice tolerance.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour the red wine into the hot pan and scrape the bottom with a spoon to release the flavorful browned bits.
What kind of onion should I use?
A standard yellow or white onion is perfect for building the flavor base of this sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to simmer the sauce longer or add extra tomato paste to achieve the right consistency.
Is it necessary to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, the bay leaf should be removed before serving as it is tough and not meant to be eaten.
What if I don't have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute it with red wine vinegar and a small pinch of sugar.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though the sauce may be slightly less rich than with full-fat.
What garnish is recommended?
The dish is best garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
How do I know when the chicken and sausage are cooked?
Brown them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are no longer pink in the center and are cooked through.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely, the sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve.
What type of chicken broth is best?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to help manage the overall salt content of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is a sophisticated and flavorful meal that is sure to impress guests.
How much pasta is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fettuccine.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the creamy texture.