Imagine coming home after a long day, craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare. Look no further than this Quick Chicken Sausage Ragu – a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary Italian-inspired feast. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a hearty, flavor-packed dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta of choice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients in the skillet.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes.
- While the ragu is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Once the ragu has simmered and thickened slightly, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, you can add a splash more chicken broth for a thinner consistency.
- To serve, toss the cooked pasta with the chicken sausage ragu in the skillet until well combined. Alternatively, you can plate the pasta and ladle the ragu on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Quick Chicken Sausage Ragu!
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor – look for varieties with herbs or spices already mixed in.
- Don't rush the browning process for the sausage; those golden-brown bits add incredible depth to your sauce.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make an excellent garnish and add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to swap pasta types or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg