Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner with this Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe. Imagine tender noodles tangled with golden chicken sausage rounds, all enveloped in a lusciously creamy Alfredo sauce that’s silky yet rich with just the right amount of Parmesan bite. Whether you’re hosting close friends or seeking cheesy comfort on a cozy night in, this pasta checks every box: it’s easy, fast, and utterly satisfying. If you crave a dish that’s both classic and just a bit unexpected, you’re in the right place—let’s whip up pure comfort in twenty-five minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is that every ingredient pulls its weight in building flavor and texture. You won’t believe how simple the list is; each element shines in the finished dish, from the noodles down to the fresh parsley on top.
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta: The perfect canvas for holding all that decadent Alfredo sauce—choose classic or whole wheat.
- 12 ounces cooked chicken sausage (sliced into rounds): Smoked or Italian-style gives the dish extra depth and heartiness while keeping it lighter than pork sausage.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing and setting the base for a luxuriously creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Just a bit of garlic brings the sauce to life with subtle warmth and aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The foundation of that unmistakable Alfredo richness—if you want to lighten it up, consider half-and-half as a swap.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Always use fresh if you can; it melts better and adds bold flavor.
- ½ cup whole milk: Thins out the cream to the perfect consistency so the sauce coats every strand of pasta.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A must for balancing all the creamy and cheesy flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of kick and complexity; freshly ground is best.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your fettuccine and cook it just until al dente—this usually takes about 10–11 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining! That starchy liquid comes in handy later to loosen the sauce and make everything clingy and glossy.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage
While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the sliced chicken sausage rounds and let them sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes. You want those perfect, caramelized edges that add real flavor to our Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once your sausage is golden, sprinkle in the minced garlic. Stir constantly, letting it sizzle and perfume the kitchen for about 30 seconds. Be careful—it cooks quickly! This quick step brings a subtle aromatic foundation you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Turn the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt gradually for a smooth, cohesive sauce. When the sauce is blended and creamy, season it with salt and pepper to your taste—it should be luscious but still pourable.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the drained fettuccine right into the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together so those ribbons of pasta get fully coated with the Alfredo sauce and mingled with the sausage. If things get too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach that dreamy, silky consistency. Off the heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch—then serve warm and watch everyone swoon!
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your pasta just before serving with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or a shower of extra grated Parmesan. This not only adds a gorgeous pop of color, but it also infuses every forkful with freshness and a last hit of savoriness. Feeling spicy? Try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Side Dishes
Since the Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is rich and comforting, pair it with something crisp and light. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette helps balance out the meal. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also fit right in, soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, twirl the fettuccine into little “nests” on each plate, tucking sausage rounds attractively throughout. You could even serve it family-style in a big bowl so everyone digs in together. For weeknight fun, serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, topping them with a drizzle of good olive oil or swirls of pesto.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, you’re in luck—it reheats wonderfully! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When storing, try to keep as much sauce clinging to the pasta as possible to maintain maximum creaminess.
Freezing
While Alfredo sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to one month if necessary. Just note the sauce’s texture may change a bit after thawing due to the dairy. Let leftovers cool, then place them in freezer-safe containers, labeling with the date for easy reference.
Reheating
To reheat your Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy texture. Stir frequently and heat until piping hot, but don’t let it boil—this prevents the sauce from separating. Microwave in short bursts as a last resort, stirring every 30 seconds for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, any long, flat noodle like linguine or pappardelle will work beautifully with the creamy sauce. Even short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold onto the sauce well, making this Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe ultra-adaptable to what you have in your pantry.
What kind of chicken sausage should I buy?
Both smoked and Italian-style chicken sausages are delicious here. Look for pre-cooked varieties for convenience—there are lots of flavors available, from roasted garlic to spicy and herby. Find one you love, and this recipe will always taste uniquely yours.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce a few hours ahead. Store it separately from the pasta, then gently rewarm and toss with hot, freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve. This keeps the Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe just as irresistible as when first made.
How do I lighten this recipe?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use low-fat milk (just note the sauce will be less rich). You can also use a bit less cheese or opt for part-skim Parmesan for a healthier twist that still packs plenty of flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy, cheesy sauce and mild chicken sausage make this a hit with both kids and adults. If making for younger children, you can leave out the black pepper and parsley, and watch as even picky eaters ask for seconds of this cozy pasta dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting as sharing a hearty bowl of homemade pasta, and this Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe makes it both easy and unforgettable. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, give it a try—you just might find it becomes a regular in your kitchen rotation!
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Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This easy-to-follow recipe combines savory chicken sausage with a rich Alfredo sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta.
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta:
12 ounces fettuccine pasta,
Chicken Sausage:
12 ounces cooked chicken sausage (sliced into rounds),
Alfredo Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup whole milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Boil fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Sausage: In a skillet, brown chicken sausage slices in butter over medium heat for 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream and milk to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in Alfredo sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Try different types of chicken sausage for varied tastes.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
