I’m always on the hunt for dinners that check three boxes. Cheap. Easy. Tastes amazing. This chicken sausage pasta recipe hits every one. It’s the kind of meal I come back to over and over again. Not because it’s fancy—but because it just works. Every time.

This isn’t one of those recipes with ten ingredients you don’t own. You won’t need a food processor, a blender, or an hour of free time. Everything goes in one skillet. It’s fast. It’s budget-friendly. It feels filling and fresh.

You don’t need to memorize anything. The recipe is simple. It’s a mix of everyday ingredients that come together in the best way. Chicken sausage adds flavor without needing a bunch of extras. The veggies make it colorful and hearty. The creamy sauce? It’s dreamy. And the pasta ties it all together.

In this post, I’m sharing the full recipe, plus how to prep it ahead, how to make it cheaper, what to serve with it, and how to store leftovers. I’ll also share why this meal keeps showing up in my dinner rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just trying to stretch one pack of sausage into two meals, this is the recipe to save. It works on a weeknight. It works when money’s tight. And it works when you’re too tired to think. And it doesn’t taste like something you “settled” for.

Let’s make the easiest, creamiest, most budget-friendly chicken sausage pasta ever.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

This is my go-to recipe. It’s the one I suggest when someone says, “I need an easy dinner that doesn’t cost a lot.” It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. And it won’t drain your wallet.

What you’ll need:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any kind)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz chicken sausage (about 4 links), sliced into coins
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

How to make it:

1. Boil a big pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and red pepper. Cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir for one minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Let the sauce bubble for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley if using.

That’s it. You’re done.

It’s creamy but not too heavy. The sausage adds a little kick. The veggies give it texture and color. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and easy.

Why This Recipe Works For Budget Living

This recipe uses simple ingredients in a smart way. That’s why it fits right in with frugal living. It makes the most of what you already have and stretches every dollar.

Let’s break it down:

• Chicken sausage is often cheaper than other meats. It also lasts longer in the fridge or freezer.
• One box of pasta is about a dollar or less when on sale. It feeds 4–6 people.
• You only need one bell pepper and one onion. That adds flavor and color without raising the price much.
• The cream and broth create a sauce that feels rich, even though you’re not using much.

Here’s how to save even more:

• Buy the chicken sausage in bulk when it’s on sale. Freeze the extra packs.
• Use store-brand pasta and cheese.
• Swap the cream for whole milk and add an extra tablespoon of cheese.
• Replace the bell pepper with whatever veggie is on hand.

It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need a lot to be great. And you can make it cheaper just by adjusting a few things.

For families trying to stick to a grocery budget, meals like this are gold. They fill you up without making you feel like you’re missing out.

How To Make This Pasta Ahead Of Time

Some nights, I just don’t want to cook. That’s when a little prep makes all the difference. This chicken sausage pasta is perfect for making ahead.

Here’s how I do it:

• Cook the pasta ahead of time. Toss it with a little oil to keep it from sticking. Store in an airtight container.
• Chop all the veggies. Keep them in a zip-top bag or container in the fridge.
• Slice the sausage. If it’s raw, brown it now. Store it in the fridge so it’s ready to reheat.

You can also make the full recipe a day or two in advance.

To store:

• Let the cooked pasta cool.
• Place in a sealed container in the fridge.
• It will stay good for 3–4 days.

To reheat:

• Add a splash of milk or broth before warming up.
• Heat on the stove over medium or in the microwave.

If you want to freeze it:

• Portion it out into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to two months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

It’s just as tasty the second time around. And you don’t have to think about dinner again.

What To Serve With Chicken Sausage Pasta

This pasta is creamy and filling, but adding a side can make it feel more like a full meal. You don’t need anything fancy. Just something simple.

Here are a few cheap and easy sides I like:

1. Garlic bread

• Use leftover sandwich bread
• Butter, garlic powder, and a quick broil

2. A green salad

• Bagged lettuce mix
• Whatever chopped veggies you’ve got
• Drizzle of olive oil and vinegar

3. Steamed veggies

• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Frozen mixed veggies

4. Fruit on the side

• Apple slices
• Grapes
• Orange wedges

5. Something crunchy

• Pickles
• Cucumber slices
• Crackers on the side

Bonus ideas:

• Top with red pepper flakes if you like heat
• A little extra grated cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil if you have it

There’s no need to do a whole spread. Just something fresh or crunchy goes a long way with a creamy dish like this.

Best Chicken Sausage Brands For Budget Cooking

The kind of chicken sausage you use can change the whole dish. Some brands taste mild and sweet. Others are smoky or spicy. You don’t need anything fancy, but you do want one with good flavor. And, of course, a good price.

Start by looking for fully cooked chicken sausage. This saves time since you’re just browning it, not cooking from raw. It’s also easier to slice and mix into the pasta.

Here are some budget-friendly brands I like:

• Aldi’s Never Any! line – usually under $4 and comes in flavors like tomato basil or apple.
• Aidells – a bit pricier, but you can catch it on sale at Costco or Sam’s.
• Trader Joe’s chicken sausage – they have tasty options like sun-dried tomato or spicy jalapeño.
• Sam’s Choice at Walmart – solid flavor, lower price.
• Kroger or store-brand sausage – just check the label to be sure it’s chicken-based and pre-cooked.

Look for sausage that has:

• No weird fillers or sugar
• Around 100–140 calories per link
• About 13–16 grams of protein
• Clear labeling for gluten-free if needed

If your store has a sale, grab extra packs and freeze them. Chicken sausage freezes well for months. Just toss it in a freezer bag and you’re good to go.

For this pasta, mild Italian or garlic herb flavors work best. Skip anything too sweet like apple or maple. Spicy sausage works too, but balance it out with a creamy sauce to keep things family-friendly.

You don’t need top-shelf meat to make this dish great. You just need a good, flavorful sausage that fits your budget.

How To Make This Chicken Sausage Pasta Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version of this dish, it’s easy to do. You don’t need to miss out. This pasta still tastes creamy, rich, and full of flavor. You’ll just need a few simple swaps.

Here’s what you’ll change in the recipe:

• Swap regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta. I like brown rice or corn-based pasta best. They hold their shape well.
• Double-check that your chicken sausage is labeled gluten-free. Some brands add fillers, so always read the label.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth. Most are fine, but it’s good to be sure.
• Parmesan cheese is naturally gluten-free. No changes needed there.
• Watch for hidden gluten in spice mixes. If your Italian seasoning is store-bought, check the label.

Here’s the adjusted gluten-free ingredient list:

• 12 oz gluten-free penne
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz gluten-free chicken sausage
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon gluten-free Italian seasoning
• 1 cup gluten-free chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or use lactose-free if needed)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional parsley

The steps are exactly the same as above. Just boil the gluten-free pasta separately and don’t overcook it. Gluten-free pasta can turn mushy if it sits too long, so drain it early and rinse it with cool water.

Then just follow the rest of the recipe like usual. This version is just as rich and cozy. You won’t even notice the difference.

If someone at your table eats gluten-free, this is a great dinner to keep in your rotation.

How To Store And Use Leftovers

Leftovers of this chicken sausage pasta are a gift. They heat up well and taste just as good, maybe better, the next day.

Storage tips:

• Let the pasta cool before storing.
• Place in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Use within 3–4 days for best quality.

Reheat with care:

• Add a splash of milk or water before heating
• Stir halfway through to keep it creamy
• Microwave for 1–2 minutes, then stir and heat more if needed

Or reheat on the stove:

• Use a nonstick skillet over low heat
• Add a splash of liquid and stir as it warms up

You can also use leftovers in new ways:

• Add a handful of spinach while reheating
• Turn it into a pasta bake by adding more cheese and baking at 350°F
• Stuff it into bell peppers and bake

It doesn’t get boring. And you don’t waste a single bite.

This is one of those meals that keeps giving. Make a double batch and lunch is ready for the next two days.

Final Thoughts On Chicken Sausage Pasta

If you’re looking for a simple, frugal meal that still feels cozy and satisfying, this is it. Chicken sausage pasta is easy to make, easy to love, and easy to stretch across a few meals.

Let’s go over everything we talked about:

• The full recipe for creamy chicken sausage pasta
• Budget swaps to save money
• Prep-ahead tips for busy days
• Storage and freezer-friendly ideas
• What to serve on the side for cheap
• How to reuse leftovers without waste

Whether you’re feeding a big family or just trying to make the most of your groceries, this meal fits. It’s flexible, affordable, and fast.

And if you’re sharing meal ideas on Pinterest or looking for easy dinners to pin and try later, save this one. It’s a keeper.

You only need one pack of sausage and a few pantry staples. No hard steps. No weird ingredients. Just a real meal that fills you up and makes dinner less stressful.

So next time you’re staring at the fridge, wondering what to make—remember this. One skillet. One box of pasta. One easy dinner that works.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to come back to again and again.