Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta – Fresh, Fast & Flavorful

If you’ve been staring at your pantry wondering what to make that’s quick, tasty, and won’t leave you scrubbing dishes until bedtime—Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta might just be your weeknight dinner hero. This dish checks all the boxes: easy to whip up, full of flavor, and picky-eater approved. And yes, it sounds fancy enough to impress your in-laws, but it’s so easy that even a Monday-night brain fog can’t mess it up.

It’s the kind of pasta that feels like a hug in a bowl—with juicy chicken sausage, bright homemade pesto, and creamy mozzarella all coming together faster than your kid can say, “I’m hungry.” Whether you’re feeding a family or just need something delicious to reheat for lunch tomorrow, this is your go-to pasta night solution. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to sneak in some greens with fresh basil, and no one will even notice. Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta isn’t just dinner—it’s a lifesaver on a busy day.

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What is Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta?

Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta is that one-pan wonder you didn’t know you needed in your dinner rotation. It’s a cozy, satisfying pasta dish tossed with Italian chicken sausage, ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and a zippy homemade pesto sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan, and olive oil.

The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. You can use any shape of pasta you have on hand, pick your favorite chicken sausage (spicy, sweet, garlic—go wild), and even sub in store-bought pesto when life’s too chaotic for homemade. It’s hearty but not heavy, colorful but not complicated, and it’s the kind of meal that makes leftovers feel like a reward instead of a rerun. With bold Italian flavors and easy assembly, Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta strikes that rare balance between simple and satisfying, and it’s ready in just about 20 minutes. Yep—your dinner dreams just came true.

Reasons to Try Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

Let’s be real—some nights call for drive-thru, but other nights? You want something that tastes like effort without actually taking much. Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta is a dream dinner because it’s fast, flexible, and full of crowd-pleasing flavors. First off, it’s ready in 20 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to scroll through Pinterest trying to figure out what to cook.

It’s also made with wholesome, real ingredients, so you’re feeding your crew something that actually nourishes (without them asking “what’s this green stuff?” because pesto’s just cool like that). And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make your own. Swap in gluten-free pasta, use store-bought pesto on wild days, or toss in extra veggies if you’re feeling fancy. You can even make it meatless with plant-based sausage and it still holds up. This recipe proves that quick dinners don’t have to be boring—and Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta will quickly become the one your family begs for again and again.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

• 4 cups pasta, cooked (any shape works!)
• 3 Italian chicken sausages
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: extra fresh basil and grated parmesan for topping

Instructions to Make Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta (Step by Step Guide)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Like a Pro

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—like a mini ocean in your kitchen. Toss in your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, bowtie—whatever you’ve got works great) and cook according to package directions. Aim for al dente so it holds up to the pesto and sausage. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it—those starchy bits help the pesto cling like a dream.

Step 2: Make Your Homemade Basil Pesto

While the pasta’s cooking, let’s whip up that vibrant green goodness. In a food processor or blender, toss in the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil slowly while blending until it’s creamy and bright. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Want to save even more time? Feel free to use store-bought pesto—just grab a high-quality one, and use about 1 cup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Slice your Italian chicken sausages into coins and toss them into the pan. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re golden on the edges and heated through. You’ll get those little crispy bits that make everything better. Don’t worry about perfection—this isn’t a Food Network audition.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl (or the pot you cooked your pasta in—less dishes, am I right?), add your cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and cooked sausage. Pour that beautiful homemade pesto over everything. Now stir it like you mean it, making sure every noodle gets its fair share of sauce. This is where the magic happens.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate it up and add a little extra flair with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. If you’re feeling extra, add a lemon wedge on the side or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve it warm and watch it disappear faster than you can say “who wants seconds?”

Looking for other pasta ideas that pair vibrant sauces with juicy proteins? You might love this Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta or go ultra-creamy with our Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.

What to Serve with Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few tasty options. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. A simple garlic bread or warm baguette is perfect for sopping up any extra pesto (and trust me, you’ll want to). Want to go low-carb on the side? Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work like a charm. And if you’re entertaining, pair it with a light white wine—something citrusy like Sauvignon Blanc is a great match. For dessert, keep it bright with something citrusy like Lemon Thumbprint Cookies or go creamy with Greek Yogurt Blueberry Muffins. Whether it’s a Tuesday or a dinner party, Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta plays nice with just about everything.

Key Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

Here’s how to keep things smooth in the kitchen. First, cook the pasta just to al dente. It keeps that perfect bite when tossed with pesto. If you’re making your pesto, always use fresh basil—not dried—and taste as you go. A little extra lemon juice can brighten everything up. Toast your pine nuts in a dry pan for even more flavor (just don’t walk away—they burn fast!). When cooking the sausage, don’t overcrowd the pan—you want browning, not steaming. And if you’re meal-prepping, keep the mozzarella and tomatoes separate until serving so they stay fresh. Using store-bought pesto? Stir in a little fresh lemon juice and parmesan to make it taste homemade. Lastly, don’t skimp on salt—both in the pasta water and in the pesto. It’s the secret to making every bite sing.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta

Leftovers? Oh, you’re in luck. Store Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pesto might lose a little color, but the flavor holds up beautifully. When reheating, the key is gentle heat. Toss it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. The microwave works too—just cover it and stir halfway through to avoid sad, dry noodles. Want to freeze it? Honestly, it’s best fresh or refrigerated. The mozzarella can get weird after freezing, and pesto’s delicate flavor tends to fade. If you know you’ll freeze it, leave out the cheese and tomatoes and add them fresh when you reheat. Trust me—future you will thank you.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Use 1 cup of a good-quality pesto. Stir in some fresh lemon juice and extra parmesan to give it that homemade feel.

What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie works best because it holds the sauce well, but honestly, use what you’ve got!

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yep! Skip the mozzarella and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute for the pesto.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally. The sausage adds familiar flavor, and the pesto is a sneaky way to get in some greens.

How spicy is this?
Not at all, unless you use spicy chicken sausage. You’re the boss—choose your heat level.

Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Cook the pasta, make the pesto, and store them separately. Mix it all just before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Sausage Pesto Pasta is the dinner you didn’t know you were craving. It’s fast, flexible, and packed with fresh, bold flavors that taste way fancier than they are. Whether you’re feeding a crew of kids, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to survive a chaotic Tuesday, this recipe is here to rescue dinner. Toss it together in 20 minutes, pair it with your favorite salad, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes everyone happy—including you. Looking for more cozy, flavorful dinner ideas? Check out our BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese or our zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad. Happy cooking—and don’t forget to save some for lunch tomorrow.

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