Chicken And Sausage With Rigatoni
A hearty and flavorful chicken and sausage rigatoni dish with savory tomato sauce, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 chicken breasts, boned ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated carrot ⓘ
- 1 to 2 green peppers, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove skin from chicken breasts and cut each into 4 pieces.
- In a large, heavy skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces, then remove and set aside.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for at least 20 minutes until browned.
- Brown the sausage on all sides, then remove and cut into 1-inch lengths.
- Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed.
- Add chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, and green pepper to the skillet.
- Cook until the vegetables are light golden brown.
- Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to the skillet.
- Return the chicken pieces and sausage to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer over moderate-low heat for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for another 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the sauce over cooked rigatoni, spaghetti, or twisted egg noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also substitute bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for a different veggie profile. This dish pairs beautifully with Vegetable Risotto for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and sausage sauce over cooked rigatoni, spaghetti, or twisted egg noodles for a hearty meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette or garlic bread can complement the dish nicely. For a complete Italian experience, consider pairing it with Elegant Italian Flavored Chicken for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Sausage With Rigatoni contains roughly 210 calories, with 20g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1272mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even use only sausage for a meatier dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage and adding more vegetables.
What is the best way to cook the rigatoni?
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be added to the sauce if needed for a smoother consistency. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce just before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors typically deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).