Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

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Craving something creamy, spicy, and cheesy all at once? The Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet is your one-pan answer to a comforting, flavor-packed dinner. This dish features juicy chunks of seasoned chicken, smoky slices of sausage, and pasta all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a kick of heat. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures — from the al dente pasta to the golden melted cheese bubbling on top.

It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table before you can even call them. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this skillet dinner is not just satisfying — it’s downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this is a dish that’s as practical as it is delicious.

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Ingredients for this Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step can be done while you’re working on the chicken and sausage to save time.

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Step 2: Sauté the Meats

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Add the sliced smoked sausage and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until both meats are nicely seared. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the diced onions until they turn soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant — around 30 seconds.

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Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–6 minutes to thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well until everything is melty and coated.

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Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Top the skillet with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Dig in and enjoy that spicy, cheesy goodness while it’s hot!

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Great news — Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Here’s how to keep that creamy, spicy flavor going strong:

• Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream if the pasta needs loosening up.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish! Place portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven or microwave.

For best results, freeze without the final layer of cheese and add fresh mozzarella when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version, and opt for a mild sausage.

2. What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage is ideal, but you can also use andouille for extra heat or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini will work perfectly.

4. Is this skillet gluten-free?

Not as written, but it can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage and broth labels.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions to mix in with the sauce.

6. Do I have to bake it?

Baking helps melt and brown the cheese topping, but if you’re short on time, just melt the cheese on the stovetop with a lid.

7. How spicy is this really?

It’s got a medium kick thanks to red pepper flakes and sausage, but it’s easy to tone down (or amp up!).

8. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to eat.

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