Name: Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb spicy or mild Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced; 12 oz penne pasta; 1/2 cup diced onion (optional); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Craving a dinner that’s rich, hearty, and just the right kind of spicy? This Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet brings together smoky Italian sausage, tender chunks of chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. It’s comfort food in a single pan—with a fiery twist that keeps you coming back for seconds (or thirds).

Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or feeding a hungry crowd, this skillet dish delivers bold flavor without a complicated prep. The balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and a slight heat kick makes it an instant favorite for anyone who loves pasta dishes with personality. It’s fast, fuss-free, and totally delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup—everything cooks together for ultimate convenience.
Full of Flavor: Juicy sausage, seasoned chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese give every bite a satisfying depth.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings—this dish never fails to impress.
Customizable Heat: You can dial the spice up or down depending on your preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why You Need Them):

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: The heart of this one-pan recipe. A 12-inch nonstick or cast iron skillet works best to cook everything evenly and hold the entire dish without overcrowding.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing sausage, dicing chicken, and chopping any optional add-ins like onions or bell peppers. Precision matters here.
Cutting Board: Designate one for meats and one for veggies to stay organized and safe during prep.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These won’t scratch your skillet and are perfect for stirring without breaking the pasta or overworking the ingredients.
Tongs: Useful when turning sausage slices or chicken pieces during browning.
Measuring Spoons/Cups: To keep the olive oil, spices, and other ingredients balanced and on-point.

With these simple tools, you’ll be ready to handle each step smoothly and keep your kitchen workflow efficient.

Preparation Tips

Preheat Your Skillet: Adding meat to a hot pan helps develop better browning and flavor—don’t skip this step!
Cut Ingredients Evenly: Keep sausage slices uniform and chicken pieces bite-sized for quicker, even cooking.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better when mixed into the skillet and absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.
Grate Cheese Fresh: It melts better and adds a richer texture than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Prep All Ingredients First: This dish moves fast once cooking starts. Chop, measure, and have everything within reach before you heat the pan.

Ingredients for This Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this spicy, cheesy magic together:

1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing and flavor.
1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casings) – spicy or mild, depending on your heat tolerance.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces) – adds lean protein and rich texture.
12 oz penne pasta – holds sauce beautifully and adds heartiness.
1/2 cup diced onion – optional, but adds depth and sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced – for that savory kick.
1 tsp red pepper flakes – adjust to taste for heat.
1 tsp smoked paprika – enhances the smoky sausage flavor.
1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper – basic seasoning to balance everything.
1 1/2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce – brings sauciness and richness.
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half – creates a creamy base.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – gooey, melty, irresistible topping.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds umami and sharpness.
Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish and color contrast.

Feel free to toss in extras like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms if you want to add more veggies or variety!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings), breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed), add the diced chicken. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping as needed, until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium. Add diced onion (if using) and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Proteins and Sauce

Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 6: Add Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until the cheese melts and everything is well mixed.

Step 7: Melt Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it sit over low heat for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey on top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot right from the skillet for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Notes

Customize the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild Italian sausage and skip or reduce the red pepper flakes. Want it hotter? Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Swap the Pasta: Penne works great, but rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent substitutes that hold sauce well.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time? Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly—just shred and stir it in during Step 5.
Make It Extra Creamy: Add more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese for a richer texture.
Vegetable Add-ins: Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be sautéed with the onions for extra nutrients and color.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, it will continue cooking a bit once it’s added to the skillet. Cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.
Crowding the Pan: When browning chicken or sausage, avoid overcrowding the skillet or the meat will steam instead of sear.
Skipping the Simmer Step: Letting the sauce simmer with the proteins helps deepen the flavor. Rushing it can leave the dish tasting flat.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It may not melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents. Grating your own cheese is worth the extra effort.
Not Draining Excess Grease: After browning the sausage, drain any excess fat to avoid an overly greasy dish.

What to Serve With Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet?

This dish is already a full-flavored experience, but the right sides can elevate your meal into a well-rounded feast. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, these additions will complement the bold, cheesy, and spicy nature of the skillet perfectly.

8 Recommended Sides

Garlic Bread
A crusty, buttery garlic bread is the classic pairing—perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
Their subtle flavor balances the richness of the skillet and adds a healthy dose of greens.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Slightly charred and seasoned, these bring a nutty bite that pairs beautifully with sausage.
Caprese Salad
Tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil add brightness and acidity that cut through the creaminess.
Grilled Asparagus
Tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt—this veggie adds a vibrant crunch to your plate.
Parmesan Zucchini Chips
A crunchy, low-carb side that’s cheesy and crisp—ideal for texture lovers.
A Glass of Red Wine or Sparkling Water with Lime
Drinks count too! A fruity red wine (like Chianti or Zinfandel) or a refreshing bubbly water rounds out the flavors nicely.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? This dish holds up beautifully for next-day enjoyment and even makes a great meal prep option.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but note that the texture of the pasta and cheese may slightly change. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Tip: If you’re freezing in batches, freeze without the final cheese topping and add fresh cheese when reheating for best results.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 6 servings)

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.

Calories: ~610 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: ~980mg
Saturated Fat: 15g

This dish is hearty and protein-packed—great for dinner or post-workout meals. To lighten it up, use low-fat cream, leaner sausage, or whole wheat pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance. Just reheat gently in a skillet or the oven with a bit of extra cream or sauce to keep it moist.

2. What’s the best sausage to use?

Spicy Italian sausage adds a bold, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese. If you prefer less heat, use mild or sweet Italian sausage.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand. Double-check that the sausage and marinara are also gluten-free.

4. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, with some tweaks. Use a dairy-free cream alternative (like cashew or oat cream) and substitute the cheese with dairy-free shreds or nutritional yeast.

5. What other cheeses work in this dish?

Besides mozzarella and Parmesan, try provolone, gouda, or fontina for a melty finish. For a punchier flavor, a touch of sharp cheddar works well too.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or sausage?

Definitely! Leftover grilled chicken or fully-cooked sausage can be sliced and added when you mix in the sauce—super convenient for busy nights.

7. How do I make it less spicy?

Skip or reduce the red pepper flakes, and use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also add a splash of cream to mellow the heat.

8. Can I turn this into a baked pasta dish?

Yes! Transfer the final mixture into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

This Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet is everything you want in a comfort food dish: bold, cheesy, filling, and full of personality. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be on repeat.

From the spicy kick of sausage to the gooey blanket of cheese and tender chicken bites, every forkful delivers warmth and satisfaction. Keep it as-is or tweak it to match your pantry and cravings—this dish is endlessly adaptable.