Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
This Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to the perfect creamy sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars and Banana Bread Brownies.
Why This Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout) Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout taste at home
- Creamy, cheesy sauce in just 20 minutes
- Easy, one-pan recipe for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
What You'll Need for Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian sausage
- Pasta
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheese
- Garlic
- Onion
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Thinly slice for faster cooking
- Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, your choice
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality non-stick skillet — Even cooking and easy cleanup → See on Amazon
- Box grater — Quickly grate cheese for smooth sauce → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
- Step 1: Cook chicken and sausage in a large skillet until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Gradually add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, then add cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Return chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pasta in the skillet. It will become mushy. Cook pasta separately and add it to the skillet at the end.
- Pro tip: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Pro tip: Make it a meal: Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the skillet for a balanced dinner.
Storing & Reheating Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.
Freezing Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for cooking the pasta for added flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Cook the chicken and sausage ahead of time. Store separately and reheat when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little milk or chicken broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality pasta pot — Even cooking and easy draining for perfect pasta every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian sausage
- Pasta
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheese
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Onion
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook chicken and sausage in a large skillet until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Gradually add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, then add cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Return chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for cooking the pasta for added flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Cook the chicken and sausage ahead of time. Store separately and reheat when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little milk or chicken broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 18g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout) FAQs
Yes, prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.
Make sure to use full-fat heavy cream and shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains stabilizers that can make the sauce grainy.
Yes, thaw them completely before slicing and cooking.
No, this recipe is best cooked on the stovetop.
Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Better Than Takeout) and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
