Italian Sausage And Chicken Spaghetti
A hearty Italian-inspired dish combining flavorful sausage, tender chicken, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and those craving comforting pasta meals.
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages ⓘ
- 3 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 2 to 4 tablespoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fennel or anise ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet basil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 stalk chopped celery ⓘ
- chopped green pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil sausages until done. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Fry chicken breasts in cooking oil in a large frying pan, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the chicken with chopped onion.
- Add chopped celery and green pepper to the pan and cook briefly.
- Stir in 1 cup water and the tomato sauce, mixing well.
- Add tomato paste and remaining water, stir until blended.
- Drain water off sausages, then cut into small bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions for 6 servings.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti with optional salad and garlic or French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausages and use skinless chicken breasts. Fresh herbs can enhance the aroma, so feel free to use fresh basil instead of dried. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken Fettuccine (Low-Fat Recipe) for a complete Italian meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette complements the richness of the sauce nicely. For a more substantial side, try adding roasted vegetables or a serving of Pasta E Fagioli (Macaroni And Bean Soup) to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage And Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 223 calories, with 17g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1319mg per serving (57% 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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made in advance. Prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce while cooking the spaghetti when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time on busy nights.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian alternative, use a plant-based sausage or skip the sausage entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when simmering. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance. Additionally, using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild will also increase the heat level of the dish.
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).