Mediterranean Chicken Sausage Pasta with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
This Mediterranean-inspired dish elevates your typical pasta meal with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, tender chicken sausage, and sweet peas. The combination of aromatic garlic and onion, paired with the herbaceous notes of fresh basil, makes this one-dish meal a delightful experience for the senses. Enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner or impress your guests at a gathering. The addition of white wine or chicken broth enhances the sauce's richness, making each bite a taste of summer. It's a healthy, colorful, and satisfying way to enjoy pasta!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Pasta
8 ounces (dry)
Frozen Peas
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Chicken Sausage
12 ounces (cooked and sliced)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3-4 (minced)
Fresh Tomatoes
2 lbs (cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges)
White Wine or Chicken Broth
1/2 cup (liquid)
Fresh Basil Leaves
8 (whole)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Fresh Basil
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the thawed peas. Once done, drain pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside to cool slightly before slicing into 1/2-inch thick slices.
3
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the wedge-cut fresh tomatoes, white wine (or chicken broth), the whole basil leaves, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to reduce, about 8 minutes.
5
Once the tomato sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta and sliced sausage to the skillet. Gently toss everything together.
6
Stir in the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency of the sauce. Mix in the grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
7
Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly sliced basil before serving.
8
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Chicken Sausage Pasta!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Sausage Pasta?
It is a flavorful one-dish meal featuring penne pasta, savory chicken sausage, fresh tomatoes, and sweet peas in a light basil and garlic sauce.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of dry penne pasta.
Can I substitute the penne pasta?
Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni if penne is not available.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
When should I add the frozen peas to the pasta?
Add the thawed frozen peas to the pot of boiling pasta during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Should I save any pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
What type of sausage is used?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of chicken sausage.
How do I prepare the chicken sausage?
Brown the sausage in a skillet for 5-7 minutes, then slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How much olive oil do I need?
You will need a total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil, used in divided portions for the sausage and the vegetables.
How many tomatoes are required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of fresh tomatoes cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges.
What kind of liquid is used for the tomato sauce base?
You can use either 1/2 cup of white wine or 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1 chopped onion.
When do I add the fresh basil leaves?
Add 8 whole basil leaves to the skillet along with the tomatoes and wine or broth.
How long should the tomatoes cook?
Cook the tomatoes for about 8 minutes until they soften and the sauce starts to reduce.
What type of cheese is added to the pasta?
Add 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese at the end.
Is there a garnish for this dish?
Yes, sprinkle 1/4 cup of thinly sliced fresh basil over the pasta before serving.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is considered a healthy, colorful, and satisfying meal featuring fresh vegetables and lean protein.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used; just ensure they are cooked until tender.
What if I don't have white wine?
You can easily substitute white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too dry?
Stir in the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
How should I cut the tomatoes?
Cut the fresh tomatoes into wedges that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
What is the total cooking time for the sausage?
The sausage should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Should the basil be chopped or whole?
The recipe uses both: 8 whole leaves during cooking and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced leaves for the final garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer dinner?
Yes, the use of fresh tomatoes and basil makes it a perfect, light summer dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken sausage or replace it with a plant-based sausage alternative.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, it is a quick and flavorful meal that is generally well-liked by families.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large pot for boiling pasta and a large non-stick skillet for preparing the sauce and sausage.