This Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. It brings together tender chunks of chicken breast, smoky slices of sausage, al dente penne pasta, and a zesty tomato-based sauce — all smothered in melty mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-skillet wonder delivers bold flavor and satisfying heartiness in every bite.

What sets this dish apart is its balance — the heat from the spices, the richness of the cheese, and the savory bite of the sausage come together in perfect harmony. Best of all, it comes together quickly in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and giving you more time to enjoy your meal with family or friends.

Ingredients for this Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into coins
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1½ cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage. Let it cook for about 4–5 minutes until it starts to brown and render some of its fat. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken, sausage, and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Reduce heat to low.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet are just as satisfying the next day!

Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium-low heat until hot and bubbly.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values are approximate and based on one serving (1/6 of the recipe).

Calories: 510
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 860mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cook time as needed.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a moderate kick from the crushed red pepper flakes and sausage. You can reduce or omit the red pepper to make it milder.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work great. Just add it during the final steps to avoid overcooking.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa) adds great flavor. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken and sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is great for meltiness, but feel free to mix in cheddar, provolone, or a bit of parmesan for more depth.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore moisture and keep the pasta saucy.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure your skillet or pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Pasta Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal for weeknights. With tender chunks of chicken, smoky sausage slices, and penne pasta coated in a bold, zesty sauce, it’s finished off with gooey melted mozzarella for a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving. It’s hearty, comforting, and comes together fast, making it a dinner favorite you’ll keep coming back to.

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season and cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3.In the same skillet, brown the sliced sausage for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly. Stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.

5. Return the cooked chicken, sausage, and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce.

6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.

7. Garnish with parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course