One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
One-pot meals are a lifesaver in the kitchen, combining convenience, minimal cleanup, and incredible flavours all in one dish. Among the myriad of one-pot wonders, the One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta stands out for its vibrant combination of savoury chicken sausage, fresh spinach, tangy feta, and hearty pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a nutritious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Imagine the comforting aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filling your kitchen, mingling with the robust scent of simmering tomatoes and sizzling chicken sausage. As the pasta cooks to al dente perfection, it absorbs the flavours of the rich sauce, creating a symphony of taste and texture in every bite. The addition of fresh spinach provides a pop of colour and a nutritional boost, while the crumbled feta cheese adds a delightful tangy finish that perfectly complements the savoury elements of the dish. This one-pot pasta is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients Used For One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
Pasta:
Chicken Sausage: Packed with protein and flavour. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
Olive Oil: Known for its heart-healthy fats, olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. It adds richness to the dish and helps to sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
Onions: These provide a sweet and savoury base for the dish, enhancing the overall flavour profile.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant and robust flavour, making the dish more aromatic and flavourful.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the sausage and feta.
Baby Spinach: A powerhouse of nutrients, spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavour and a vibrant green colour.
Fusilli Pasta: The spiral shape of fusilli pasta helps to hold the sauce, ensuring each bite is flavourful.
Kalamata Olives: These olives add a briny, tangy flavour that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Feta Cheese: Feta’s crumbly texture and tangy taste provide a perfect contrast to the savoury sausage and sweet tomatoes.
Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of herbal aroma and flavour, reminiscent of Mediterranean dishes.
Chili Flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, chilli flakes can add a nice spicy kick.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavours of the dish.
Alternative Ingredients
Turkey Sausage: A leaner option that can be used instead of chicken sausage for a different flavour profile.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Can be used in place of fresh tomatoes for a more intense, concentrated tomato flavour.
Arugula: If you prefer a peppery taste, arugula can be used instead of spinach.
Goat Cheese: For a creamier, tangier alternative to feta.
Gluten-Free Pasta: To accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.
Vegetarian Sausage: For a meatless version, use plant-based sausages.
Preparation Tips For One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
- Pre-Cut Ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go to make the cooking process smoother.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta slightly less than package instructions, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano or basil can add a more vibrant flavour compared to dried herbs.
Serving Tips For One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for an added burst of flavour.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the pasta beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This pasta dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta (Full Video)
One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pack (500g) chicken sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 6-7 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 3 cups fusilli pasta
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, pitted & chopped
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, finely crumbled
- dried oregano
- chilli flakes, optional
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken sausages into ½" chunks using a kitchen scissors.
- Heat oil in a medium sized cast iron pan and cook the sausages until brown. Set aside.
- On the same pan, saute onions until it has a translucent colour, add the garlic to give a fragrant flavour and lastly, the chopped tomatoes.
- Soften the chopped tomatoes adding ¼ cup water and season with salt and black pepper. Cover and let it simmer.
- Cook pasta less than a minute from the packaging instruction.
- Uncover the pan and add in fresh oregano and kalamata olives.
- Put back the chicken sausages and make sure it’ll get fully covered by the pasta sauce. Season with extra salt.
- Drain pasta and add into the pasta sauce giving a nice toss.
- For an extra colour, add in the baby spinach and toss it well together with the pasta.
- Season with additional ground black pepper and top it with crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve and enjoy.
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