14 Chicken Sausage Recipes for an Effortless and Exceptional Dinner

Buffalo Chicken Sausage and Pepper Sandwich
Photo: bd.weld

Chicken sausage is incredibly underrated. In fact, if you find pork sausage too greasy to enjoy or just want to enjoy a sausage link that's a little lighter, chicken sausage links may be your new favorite alternative. Although it sounds like it could be bland, chicken sausage is usually packed with strong flavor and comes in many varieties, like Italian, Andouille, applewood, spinach and feta, and even teriyaki. It's a good source of protein, and an easy way to add some savory flavor to pasta, soups, sheet pan dinners, and sandwiches. Try out one of these chicken sausage dinners, and let this superior sausage into your life.

01 of 15

Orecchiette with Fresh Tomatoes and Sausage

Orecchiette with Fresh Tomatoes and Sausage
naples34102

This chicken sausage pasta recipe is a great way to use up extra vegetables in the fridge or garden, especially if you have an abundance of cherry tomatoes. Italian chicken sausage adds flavor but bypasses the extra fat, but a touch of pancetta means you don't have to completely sacrifice that savory pork flavor.

02 of 15

Sausage, Zucchini, and Cauli Keto Risotto

Sausage, Zucchini, and Cauli Keto Risotto
Fioa

If you're looking for a healthy version of an indulgent Italian dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor, this keto risotto hits those qualities right on the head. Using pre-riced cauliflower will save time and energy. Try shredding the zucchini so it can blend more with the cauliflower.

03 of 15

Tuscan Bean, Chicken, and Italian Sausage Soup

Italian soup with beans, chicken, squash, and other vegetables
Sugarplum

This simple and speedy chicken sausage soup recipe is easy to make and delivers a hefty dose of Italian flavor. Don't skimp on the grated Pecorino Romano if possible, because that last savory ingredient ties the meat and veggies together. This tastes even better the next day, so you could easily double the recipe and eat a large batch throughout the week.

04 of 15

Buffalo Chicken Sausage and Pepper Sandwich

Buffalo Chicken Sausage and Pepper Sandwich
bd.weld

If you're lucky enough to find Buffalo chicken sausage at your grocery store, then grab them and make this satisfying chicken sausage sandwich recipe. It's hearty enough for a meal without having an overly complicated ingredient list or cooking process, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

05 of 15

Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Italian chicken sausage pieces and peppers roasted on a sheet pan with crusty bread on the side
Carson Downing

Chicken sausage and sheet pans were meant to coexist, and this hearty and flavorful sheet pan dinner is proof. This chicken sausage recipe is so foolproof and delicious that we guarantee it'll make its way into your dinner rotation.

06 of 15

Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cauliflower Casserole

This tasty chicken sausage recipe can satisfy the strongest itch for Italian food, but it is low in fat and calories. If you'd like to tie the ingredients together a bit more, add some red sauce and red pepper flakes.

07 of 15

Lentil, Chicken Sausage, and Sweet Potato Soup

Lentil, Chicken Sausage, and Sweet Potato Soup
Photo by Zest to Impress.

It's flavorful, it's filling, and it's chock-full of nutrients, especially protein and fiber. Hearty enough to cut through winter's chill, this chicken sausage soup recipe maintains a perfect balance of sweetness and spice and comes together in an hour.

08 of 15

Instant Pot® Pasta with Italian Sausage

Instant Pot® Pasta with Italian Sausage
Soup Loving Nicole

Talk about easy — all you need to do to this delicious pasta is throw the ingredients in your pressure cooker, sauté for a few minutes, and pressure cook on high. This is a dish that pressure cookers were made for: easy, flavorful, and just cheesy enough.

09 of 15

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole
Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole. lutzflcat

Cauliflower makes a nice potato or rice substitute, but the best way to prepare it is in a way that show off the crucifer's innate goodness. This creamy casserole, complete with two types of cheese, bacon, and sweet apple chicken sausage, is a fitting dish for tender, slow-cooked cauliflower florets.

10 of 15

Mushroom, Leek, Chicken Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Mushroom, Leek, Chicken Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Blythe Clugston Fritz

"I must admit this recipe didn't sound like it would wow me but boy was I wrong," says community member gina1313. "There's something about the combination of sausage and tortellini in chicken broth with fresh cilantro and hot sauce - WOW! The flavors all mesh beautifully and develop into the most tasty delicious soup I've had in a LONG time. Definitely give this one a try - it's amazing how much flavor you get with minimal ingredients!"

11 of 15

Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage

Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage
Rock_lobster

This stuffed zucchini is light and simple, but the flavorful filling makes it seem indulgent. Although the creator didn't specify the size of zucchini required, community member Tina Griffin found that four medium zucchini were the perfect amount of boats to hold all the filling.

12 of 15

Farro, Sausage, and Spinach Dinner

Farro, Sausage, and Spinach Dinner
mary nj

Jalapeño chicken sausage and farro, an ancient grain with a nutty taste, seem like unlikely partners, but creator Natalie Ercolini found that they work well together with the addition of black cherries, mushrooms, goat cheese, and spinach. The combination of flavors may seem unusual, but they collaborate quite well.

13 of 15

Italian Chicken Pesto with Spaghetti Squash

Italian Chicken Pesto with Spaghetti Squash
Allrecipes

Chicken pesto gets a healthier makeover with some help from spaghetti squash. However, this dish gets plenty of flavor from Italian sausage, an assortment of fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh bell peppers. This is one of those rare good-for-you meals that actually tastes good, too.

14 of 15

Sweet Potato and Apple Sausage Casserole

Sweet Potato and Apple Sausage Casserole in a white casserole dish
photog_grrl

Looking for a simple, hearty, and healthy meal? All you need is chicken sausage, sweet potatoes, tart green apples, and some honey mustard to whip up this easy, one-dish dinner. Several community members recommend setting the oven at 400 degrees F and adding the apple about 15 minutes before the potatoes and sausage will be done — that way, none of it gets mushy.

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