This Chicken Sausage Spaghetti with Simple Tomato Sauce is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It's ready in under 30 minutes and combines the bold taste of Italian sausage with a simple homemade tomato sauce and plenty of fresh basil.
I first came across this recipe in an old Cooking Light magazine and was reminded of it when my friend Jamie from our Virtual Supper Club made it and called it a "family-pleasing dinner."
I used the Italian Chicken Sausage because I like the flavor much better than turkey sausage and much like my Cajun Shrimp and Sausage recipe, it's a great example of how just a few ingredients can come together to make something really satisfying!
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Why You'll Love Chicken Sausage Spaghetti
Fast and flavorful: On the table in under 30 minutes with a rich fresh-tasting sauce.
Great for weeknights: Easy cleanup and minimal prep make this perfect after a long day.
Customizable: Use whatever sausage or canned tomatoes you have on hand.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sausage: Use turkey, pork, or even plant based sausage.
Tomatoes: Whole or diced canned tomatoes can be used and pureed if needed.
Romano or Asiago cheese: Use in place of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Recipe Variations
Add Veggies: toss in sautéed zucchini or bell peppers for more color and fiber.
Use a different pasta: Penne or rigatoni are great alternatives.
Creamy twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer sauce.
Top Tips
- Don't skip sautéing the garlic. It gives the sauce real depth.
- Toss the pasta directly in the sauce for better flavor absorption.
- Save some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Serve With...
Sere this with Air Fryer Garlic Knots, a crisp green salad with homemade Ranch Dressing, or a simple Caprese Salad.
More Simple Dinner Ideas
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Chicken Sausage Spaghetti
Equipment
- Food processor , or blender
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Italian chicken sausage , sliced
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 20 ounces canned whole tomatoes , undrained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 5 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh basil , torn
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Instructions
- Slice sausages and cook in small amount of oil in a hot skillet until done. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Place tomatoes in a food processor and process until almost smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add crushed red pepper and minced garlic; saute 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes, sugar, and salt; cook 4 minutes or until slightly thick.
- Add sausage and cooked pasta to pan; toss well. Top with fresh basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Donalyn says
Can you guys get Lupo's sausage up there? Their hot chicken sausage is the best I have ever had. This looks great & sorry you had a bad day - hope things are better now!
Kristen says
I agree with you about this most recent issue of CL. This recipe was one of the first I tagged!
Love your photos... yum!
tamilyn says
Oh how yummy! Hope this posts-my computer hasn't let me post comments on your site for about a month :*(
katiez says
That looks so good - and I'm starving. I could do this for breakfast...
We can't get any but good old pork sausage with mystery bits. Europeans, in general, aren't so, um, fussy, about their sausages. Which means I had to get used to finding inedible bits on occasion. The more 'country' the sausage the more chunks. Really tasty tho.... LOL
Jessie says
I love meals like this one, so simple yet delicious and satisfying
Patsyk says
That is my kind of meal! I know everyone in my family would be clammoring for the last little bite!
Cristine says
Looks and sounds yummy! Happy Easter!
Megan says
I love CL! So many good recipes and so much healthier!
Happy Easter! 🙂
Linda says
I like your new layout!
teresa says
that sounds fantastic, it's making me hungry and i just ate!
Kathleen says
Love turkey sausage! This sounds delicious!
Sippity Sup says
yummy pasta and such an elegant photo!
dawn says
i have been staying away from carbs, so i miss my pasta. you have no idea how good this looks.
Bellini Valli says
This is hearty and delicious Shelby. Since both you and Jamie highly recommend it it may be showing up soon. I can't wait to get my issue of Cooking Light:D
Jamie says
I agree Shelby, the April CL edition is full of great recipes. I have a ton bookmarked. I'm glad you liked this recipe as much as my family did. I have never tried chicken sausage but the next time I make this recipe I will definitely be trying it.
pegasuslegend says
I love turkey meatballs and sausage this is a perfect way to make healthy pasta!
Ingrid says
Lol, I rcv'd this recipe in an email and saved it to make this weekend. Glad to hear that you give it a thumbs up.
Happy Easter!
~ Ingrid
Fallon says
Yum yum! I've never tried or seen turkey sausage before, but the chicken sausage is really good!
Mags says
I absolutely love Johnsonville's smoked turkey sausage. Six grams of fat per serving and when you add it to a pasta recipe you can almost divide that in half. But I've been having a hard time finding it too!