Craving a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that’s ready in a flash? This Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo is about to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender ribbons of fettuccine tossed with juicy spinach and asiago chicken sausage, velvety Alfredo sauce, tangy cherry tomatoes, and sweet slivers of red onion, all finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. It’s beautifully simple, irresistibly tasty, and truly perfect for those nights when you want a little comfort with next to no effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Fast: This entire dish comes together in just about 20 minutes. Yes, you read that right! Dinner is ready in less time than it takes to cue up another episode of your favorite show.
  • No Skimping on Flavor: The chicken sausage and Parmesan bring robust savory notes, while cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness to balance out the creamy Alfredo.
  • Great for Busy Nights: Easy steps, minimal prep, and just one main pan for the sauce and toppings—cleanup is a breeze.
  • Customizable: Whether you want to sneak in more veggies or swap out proteins, this recipe welcomes your creativity!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and sausage, adding richness and helping everything caramelize beautifully. Tip: Use a good-quality olive oil for best flavor.
  • Red Onion: Sliced thinly to bring a mild sweetness and a touch of color. If you prefer yellow or white onion, go for it!
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Their juiciness and slight acidity cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing each bite.
  • Spinach & Asiago Chicken Sausage: Infused with flavor and so much easier than cooking chicken from scratch. Pre-cooked sausage saves time—and tastes amazing.
  • Fettuccine Pasta: Provides the perfect thick, tender noodles for the creamy sauce to cling to. Linguine or tagliatelle would work too if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Alfredo Sauce: The store-bought kind is great for speed, but you could use homemade if you’ve got some handy.
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish. Freshly grated makes a big difference!
  • Reserved Pasta Water: Helps marry the sauce and pasta, ensuring every strand is perfectly coated.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

  • Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken sausage for roasted mushrooms or zucchini slices.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat or stir in a bit of garlic for warmth.
  • Switch the Protein: Try turkey sausage, classic Italian sausage, or even grilled shrimp.
  • Add Greens: Toss in a big handful of baby spinach or kale just before mixing everything together.
  • Try Whole Wheat Pasta: A great way to add more fiber and earthiness to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and a pinch of salt. Stir now and then—they’ll soften and sweeten beautifully after about 6 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While those onions work their magic, drop fettuccine into a big pot of well-salted boiling water. Cook just to al dente—don’t forget to scoop out half a cup of that pasta water before you drain the noodles!

Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Tomatoes

Push the softened onions to the side of your pan. Drizzle in the remaining olive oil, then add diagonally sliced sausage and cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes. The sausage should be heated through and even get a bit golden in spots, while the tomatoes start to soften and blister.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Dump your drained fettuccine into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, jar of Alfredo sauce, and grated Parmesan. Toss everything enthusiastically—the sauce, cheese, veggies, and sausage will create a gloriously creamy, rich, and flavorful coating for each strand of pasta.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once everything is hot and well mixed, hurry that skillet to the table and get ready for compliments.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold—those starches help the Alfredo sauce stick to the noodles instead of sliding off.
  • Use Pre-Cooked Sausage: It saves so much time, and you can slice and toss it right into the pan.
  • Sauté in Stages: Browning the onions and sausage separately keeps their flavors distinct and prevents a greasy texture.
  • Finish with Extra Parmesan: There’s truly no such thing as too much cheese with Alfredo!

How to Serve

This fettuccine is a star on its own, but you can add a few flourishes:

  • Freshly Ground Pepper: A sprinkle on top sharpens all those rich flavors.
  • Handful of Chopped Herbs: Parsley or basil gives freshness and lightness.
  • Side Salad: Pair with a big green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
  • Crusty Bread: For scooping up every last bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep getting better!

Freezing

Pasta with creamy sauce generally doesn’t freeze perfectly, but if you must, divide into portions and freeze airtight for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight—expect a slightly changed texture, but it’s still tasty.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. The microwave works in short bursts, covered, with an extra splash of liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

    Absolutely. Linguine, spaghetti, or even penne will work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—cook until just al dente, and don’t forget to save some pasta water!

  2. Is homemade Alfredo sauce necessary?

    Not at all! Store-bought Alfredo is perfect for busy nights. If you have the time and inclination, a quick homemade version made with cream, butter, and Parmesan would also be delicious.

  3. How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

    If the Alfredo seems dense, add a splash more reserved pasta water before serving. That starchy water loosens everything up and helps the creamy sauce coat every noodle.

  4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

    Definitely! Use your favorite dairy-free Alfredo sauce (there are great options with cashews or cauliflower) and a vegan Parmesan substitute. Choose a plant-based sausage for a fully dairy- and meat-free meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is speedy, give this Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo a try. It’s comfort food at its best—creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor—all made with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish never disappoints. Go ahead and add it to your weeknight rotation—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

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Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Chicken Sausage Fettuccine Alfredo is a quick, flavorful main course that combines tender fettuccine, savory spinach & asiago chicken sausages, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, finished with grated Parmesan. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • Water, salted (for boiling pasta)

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 package (4 links) Gold’n Plump Spinach & Asiago Chicken Sausages

Sauce

  • 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Onions – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the thinly sliced red onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally as they cook to soften and slightly caramelize, about 6 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Pasta – While the onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  3. Cook the Sausages and Tomatoes – After the onions have cooked, push them to the side of the skillet. Slice the chicken sausages diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Add them to the pan along with another tablespoon of olive oil and the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is heated through and the tomatoes begin to soften.
  4. Combine Everything – Drain the cooked pasta, reserving the pasta water. Add the drained fettuccine, reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, Alfredo sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese directly to the skillet with the sausages, tomatoes, and onions. Toss everything together to combine thoroughly and ensure the Alfredo sauce is evenly heated and coats the ingredients.
  5. Serve – Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try sautéing a few cloves of minced garlic with the onions.
  • You can substitute other flavors of chicken sausage if preferred.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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