Chicken Sausage Farfalle: A Family Favorite with an Italian Twist

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of pasta, especially when it’s brimming with savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, comforting sauce. I remember one particularly hectic week when my family was constantly running in different directions. I needed a meal that was quick, satisfying, and would bring everyone together around the table. This Chicken Sausage Farfalle was the answer. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the house, drawing everyone in, and the smiles around the table that night made all the chaos worthwhile. It’s a dish that speaks of warmth, family, and the simple joy of good food.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: One large pot
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 10 chicken sausages (Asiago, spinach, and chicken sausage from Sam’s Club) or 10 Italian sausages (if you can’t find the other)
• 1 1/2 large onions, diced
• 6 fresh garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 16 ounces farfalle pasta
• 2 ounces fresh basil
• 4 ounces of Kraft shredded parmesan cheese, Romano, and Asiago cheeses (if you can find all in one, otherwise use what you have)
• 1 quart half-and-half cream
• Garlic salt, to taste
• Shallot salt (Penzey’s), to taste
• Roasted garlic seasoning (Tones Brand), to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, as needed

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or pot
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Garlic press

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken sausage. Slice the sausages into roughly ½-inch thick pieces.
2. In a large skillet or pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet.
3. Season the sausage generously with garlic salt, shallot salt, roasted garlic seasoning, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference. Fry the sausage until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5. In the same skillet or pot used to cook the sausage, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onions and crushed garlic.
6. Season the onions and garlic with a pinch of garlic salt, shallot salt, and roasted garlic seasoning. Cook over medium heat until the onions are just translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Turn off the heat under the onions and gently mix in the diced tomatoes. The goal is to incorporate the tomatoes without cooking them down too much, preserving their fresh flavor and texture.
8. In the same pot, combine the cooked sausage, the onion-tomato mixture, the cooked and drained farfalle pasta, cheese(s) (parmesan, romano, and Asiago), and chopped fresh basil.
9. Pour in the half-and-half cream, starting with about ¾ of the quart. Gently toss all the ingredients together.
10. Place the pot over medium-high heat and cook gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
11. Adjust the amount of cream to your liking, adding more if needed to achieve the desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
12. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more garlic salt, shallot salt, roasted garlic seasoning, red pepper flakes, or black pepper to suit your taste.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sausage Selection: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chicken sausage. The Asiago, spinach, and chicken sausage from Sam’s Club is a great starting point, but other flavors like sun-dried tomato or pesto would also work well. If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the farfalle al dente is crucial to the final texture of the dish. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its shape.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: The fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic element to the dish. Don’t skimp on it! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
• Cheese, Please: Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Spice it Up: For those who like a bit of heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sausage while it’s cooking.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The sausage and onion-tomato mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the dish. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before adding it to the pasta.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Sausage Farfalle hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. The pasta can become mushy if microwaved for too long.

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	682 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	306 g	45%
Total Fat	34 g	52%
Saturated Fat	16.3 g	81%
Cholesterol	183.2 mg	61%
Sodium	1358.7 mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate	62.5 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	12%
Sugars	5.8 g	N/A
Protein	31.7 g	63%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free farfalle pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken sausage with plant-based Italian sausage or simply omit the sausage altogether and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Creamy Tomato Sauce: For a richer, more tomato-forward flavor, use a combination of half-and-half and tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
• Pesto Variation: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto after the sauce has thickened for a vibrant green hue and a burst of basil flavor.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Add seasonal vegetables to the dish, such as asparagus in the spring, corn and zucchini in the summer, or butternut squash in the fall.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Fontina, mozzarella, or provolone would all be delicious additions.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sausage and onion-tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Q: Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
A: You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. For a richer sauce, consider using heavy cream instead.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A: Be sure to cook the pasta in plenty of salted water and stir it occasionally while it’s cooking. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes, absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage Farfalle is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to creating memories around the dinner table. It’s a dish that’s easily adaptable to your own preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and get ready to experience the magic of this simple yet satisfying Italian-inspired dish. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your own personal touches – perhaps a different sausage or a unique blend of cheeses. Don’t forget to let me know what you think! And for the perfect pairing, try a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti. Buon appetito!