Chicken Sausage Cavatappi: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Chicken sausage cavatappi HelloFresh is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken sausage with the comforting texture of cavatappi pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and satisfying meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals alike. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this guide will help you create a delicious chicken sausage cavatappi HelloFresh that everyone will love.
1. What is Chicken Sausage Cavatappi?
Chicken sausage cavatappi HelloFresh is an Italian-inspired pasta dish that features spiraled cavatappi pasta combined with flavorful chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing for various ingredient substitutions to suit your taste.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Cavatappi Pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds sauces well, making it perfect for creamy dishes. If you can’t find cavatappi, feel free to substitute with penne or fusilli.
- Italian Chicken Sausage: The star of the dish, chicken sausage adds protein and flavor. You can choose spicy or mild varieties depending on your preference.
- Vegetables: Common choices include kale, onion, and garlic. Kale adds a nutritious touch; however, you can easily swap it for spinach or bell peppers.
- Cream Sauce: A combination of sour cream and chicken stock creates a rich and creamy sauce that complements the pasta beautifully.
3. Nutritional Information
Each serving of chicken sausage cavatappi HelloFresh contains approximately:
- Calories: 830 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Total Fat: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Using chicken sausage instead of pork sausage reduces fat content while maintaining great flavor.
4. Step-by-Step Chicken Sausage Cavatappi Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Chop the onion and garlic finely.
- Remove stems from kale and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add cavatappi to boiling water and cook until al dente (about 9-11 minutes).
- Reserve about half a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
- Cook the chicken sausage until browned (about 5 minutes), then add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in kale until wilted (about 3 minutes).
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium; add sour cream and reserved pasta water.
- Stir until combined and thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Combine Everything:
- Add drained cavatappi to the skillet, mixing well with the sauce.
- Stir in butter and half of the Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Serve:
- Divide into bowls, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese, and serve with lemon wedges for added zest.
5. Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Sausage Cavatappi
- Flavor Enhancements: For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
- Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Variations: Experiment with different proteins like turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a healthier option.
6. Addressing Common Questions
- Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta such as penne or rotini will work well. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added texture. - What side dishes pair well with cavatappi?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly.
Conclusion
Chicken sausage cavatappi HelloFresh is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort to the table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. We encourage you to try this recipe at home and share your variations!