Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Rotini
Description:
This hearty Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Rotini is the ultimate comfort food! Tender rotini pasta is tossed with juicy chicken, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Packed with flavor and easy to customize, it’s bound to become a regular on your menu!
Ingredients:
For 6 servings:
12 oz (about 3/4 of a box) rotini pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
8 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the Rotin according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken and Sausage
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned (about 3–4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
Saute the diced onion until translucent (about 3 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
5. Assemble
Add the cooked rotini, chicken, and sausage to the cheese sauce.
Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Total Time:
Step Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approximate):
Nutrient Amount
Calories 650–700 kcal
Protein 38–42 g
Carbohydrates 35–40 g
Fat 40–45 g
Saturated Fat 20–22 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 3–4 g
Sodium 900–1100 mg
Note: These values can vary based on brands and exact ingredient measurements.
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or bow-tie pasta work great too.
Q: What type of sausage works best?
A: Smoked sausage or Andouille sausage adds great flavor, but Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is also a tasty option.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Yes! Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner protein.
Q: Can it be made ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Assemble everything, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stove or bake at 350°F (covered with foil) for 20 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, it freezes well! Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Would you also like a printable
version or a fancier version with breadcrumbs and oven-baked topping?
I can make a version for that too if you wan