14 Easy Chicken Sausage Dinners for Quick Weeknight Meals

Chicken sausage makes weeknight cooking so much easier when you need dinner on the table fast. These flavorful recipes turn simple ingredients into satisfying meals.

From sheet pan dinners to hearty soups, each recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort for busy families.

01. Sheet Pan Italian Sausage with Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers and Italian chicken sausage roasted together on one pan. This foolproof dinner delivers big flavors with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients: 1 pound Italian chicken sausage links, 3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), 1 large yellow onion, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Sheet Pan Italian Sausage with Bell Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut the sausage links into 2-inch pieces and slice bell peppers into thick strips. Cut the onion into wedges for even cooking.

2. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread everything on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.

3. Add the sausage pieces to the pan, nestling them between the vegetables. Roast for 25-30 minutes until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.

02. Pesto Chicken Sausage with Spaghetti Squash

Tender spaghetti squash replaces pasta in this lighter Italian-inspired dish. Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs make every bite burst with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients: 1 large spaghetti squash, 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, ¼ cup basil pesto, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 1 red bell pepper (diced), ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Pesto Chicken Sausage with Spaghetti Squash

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 40-45 minutes until tender.

2. While squash cooks, remove sausage from casings and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.

3. Add diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Use a fork to scrape spaghetti squash into strands. Add the squash strands to the skillet along with pesto and fresh basil. Toss everything together and serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

03. Hearty Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage

This comforting soup combines tender tortellini with savory chicken sausage in rich broth. Fresh cilantro and hot sauce add unexpected brightness to every spoonful.

Ingredients: 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced), 1 package cheese tortellini, 8 cups chicken broth, 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), 2 leeks (cleaned and chopped), ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 tablespoons olive oil, hot sauce to taste.

How To Make Hearty Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

2. Add chopped leeks to the same pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.

3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot along with tortellini. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tortellini is tender.

4. Stir in fresh cilantro and season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. The flavors develop beautifully as they meld together in this satisfying soup.

04. Low-Fat Cauliflower Sausage Bake

Roasted cauliflower and Italian chicken sausage create a satisfying casserole that’s light on calories. Red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets), 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, 1 cup marinara sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Low-Fat Cauliflower Sausage Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread in the prepared dish. Roast for 20 minutes until starting to soften.

2. Meanwhile, remove sausage from casings and cook in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking into chunks. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through completely.

3. Remove cauliflower from oven and add the cooked sausage on top. Pour marinara sauce over everything and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.

4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then return to oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving this comforting Italian-inspired dish.

05. Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup

This rustic Italian soup combines creamy white beans with savory chicken sausage. Pecorino Romano cheese brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients: 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, 2 cans cannellini beans (drained), 6 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 1 onion (diced), ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese (grated), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings and cook, breaking into bite-sized pieces, for 6-8 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.

2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Return sausage to pot and add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top generously with grated Pecorino Romano cheese. This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

06. Buffalo Sausage and Pepper Hero Sandwich

Spicy buffalo chicken sausage paired with sweet peppers creates the ultimate sandwich. This hearty meal comes together quickly for satisfying weeknight dinners.

Ingredients: 4 buffalo chicken sausage links, 2 bell peppers (sliced), 1 large onion (sliced), 4 hero rolls, 4 slices provolone cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Buffalo Sausage and Pepper Hero Sandwich

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add whole sausage links and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and slice diagonally.

2. Add sliced peppers and onions to the same skillet with the flavorful drippings. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized around the edges.

3. Meanwhile, slice hero rolls lengthwise and brush cut sides with butter. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

4. Layer sliced sausage and pepper mixture on bottom halves of rolls. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese and broil for 1 minute until cheese melts. Add top halves and serve immediately.

07. Creamy Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole

Tender cauliflower florets cook slowly with apple chicken sausage and two types of cheese. This comforting casserole practically makes itself in your slow cooker.

Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets), 1 pound apple chicken sausage (sliced), 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), ½ cup cream cheese (softened), ½ cup heavy cream, 4 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled), 2 green onions (chopped).

How To Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then remove and crumble. In the same pan with bacon fat, brown the sliced apple chicken sausage for 4-5 minutes until golden on both sides.

2. Place cauliflower florets in your slow cooker and add the browned sausage on top. In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the cream mixture over cauliflower and sausage, then sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until cauliflower is fork-tender.

4. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Let the cheese melt completely before serving this rich and satisfying casserole.

5. Stir gently before serving to distribute the creamy sauce throughout. The sweet apple sausage pairs beautifully with the tender cauliflower and rich cheese sauce.

08. Farro Bowl with Jalapeño Sausage and Goat Cheese

Nutty farro grain combines with spicy jalapeño chicken sausage in this unique dinner bowl. Dried cherries and creamy goat cheese create surprising flavor combinations.

Ingredients: 1 cup farro, 1 pound jalapeño chicken sausage, 4 cups baby spinach, 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), ½ cup dried cherries, 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled), 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Farro Bowl with Jalapeño Sausage and Goat Cheese

1. Rinse farro under cold water and add to a medium saucepan with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until tender but still chewy.

2. While farro cooks, remove sausage from casings and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through completely.

3. Add sliced mushrooms to the sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden. Stir in dried cherries and cook for another minute.

4. Add baby spinach to the skillet and toss until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Drain cooked farro and add to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients.

5. Remove from heat and gently fold in crumbled goat cheese, allowing it to soften slightly. The unusual combination of flavors works beautifully together in this nutritious grain bowl.

09. Sweet Potato and Chicken Sausage Soup

Hearty lentils and sweet potatoes create a protein-packed soup perfect for cold nights. This nutritious bowl balances sweetness and spice in every satisfying spoonful.

Ingredients: 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced), 1 cup red lentils, 2 large sweet potatoes (diced), 6 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion (diced), 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Sweet Potato and Chicken Sausage Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

2. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in smoked paprika and cumin, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.

3. Add diced sweet potatoes, red lentils, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Return sausage to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The soup maintains a perfect balance of sweetness from potatoes and warmth from spices.

10. Fresh Tomato Orecchiette with Italian Sausage

Cherry tomatoes and Italian chicken sausage toss with ear-shaped orecchiette pasta. A touch of pancetta adds rich pork flavor without extra fat.

Ingredients: 1 pound orecchiette pasta, 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 ounces pancetta (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), ½ cup fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 3 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Fresh Tomato Orecchiette with Italian Sausage

1. Cook orecchiette pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. The starchy water will help bind the sauce together beautifully.

2. Meanwhile, cook diced pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Remove sausage from casings and add to the pan, breaking into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook sausage for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.

4. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.

5. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves and olive oil. Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for using up garden tomatoes.

11. Honey Mustard Sweet Potato and Sausage Bake

Sweet potatoes and tart green apples roast alongside chicken sausage in this simple one-dish dinner. Honey mustard glaze brings all the flavors together perfectly.

Ingredients: 1 pound chicken sausage links, 3 large sweet potatoes (cubed), 2 Granny Smith apples (sliced), ¼ cup honey mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Honey Mustard Sweet Potato and Sausage Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes and slice sausage links into 2-inch pieces for even cooking.

2. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme in a large bowl. Spread on the prepared sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes until starting to soften.

3. Add sausage pieces to the pan with sweet potatoes and continue roasting for 10 more minutes. The sausage should be browned and sweet potatoes nearly tender.

4. Add sliced apples to the pan and brush everything with honey mustard. Roast for another 10-15 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy and sausage is cooked through.

12. Easy Instant Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

This pressure cooker pasta dinner comes together in minutes with minimal effort. Italian sausage and cheese create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 jar marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 onion (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Easy Instant Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Remove sausage from casings and cook, breaking into pieces, for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes more.

2. Add penne pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine, making sure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking.

3. Secure lid and set to pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure carefully.

4. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. This dish is exactly what pressure cookers were made for.

13. Chicken Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Hollowed zucchini boats hold a flavorful chicken sausage filling that feels indulgent but stays light. Four medium zucchini create the perfect portion sizes.

Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini, 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 egg (beaten), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Chicken Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh with a spoon, leaving ¼-inch borders to create sturdy boats. Chop the scooped flesh and set aside.

2. Remove sausage from casings and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through completely.

3. Add chopped zucchini flesh and minced garlic to the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini softens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and half the mozzarella.

4. Brush zucchini boats with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fill each boat with sausage mixture and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden brown on top. The flavorful filling makes these boats taste much more indulgent than they actually are.

14. Keto Cauliflower Risotto with Sausage

Riced cauliflower replaces arborio rice in this healthy version of creamy Italian risotto. Pre-riced cauliflower saves time while delivering authentic flavors.

Ingredients: 1 bag riced cauliflower, 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, 1 medium zucchini (shredded), ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 cups chicken broth, 1 onion (diced), 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Keto Cauliflower Risotto with Sausage

1. Remove sausage from casings and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.

2. Add butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. The onion adds essential flavor base to the risotto.

3. Add riced cauliflower and shredded zucchini to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and moisture has evaporated.

4. Gradually add chicken broth ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing liquid to absorb before adding more, just like traditional risotto technique.

5. Stir in heavy cream, cooked sausage, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through. This healthy version doesn’t compromise on the rich, indulgent flavors of classic risotto.

Final Thoughts

These chicken sausage recipes prove that quick weeknight dinners can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. From sheet pan meals to pressure cooker pasta, there’s something for every cooking style.

Keep a few packages of chicken sausage in your freezer for those busy nights when you need dinner inspiration fast.