9 Ways to Turn Chicken Sausage into a Quick & Healthy Meal

April 26, 2024

Photo Credit: Well Plated by Erin

A package of chicken sausage is so handy to keep in the fridge. It’s a tasty lean protein, and it’s already cooked, so making it into a meal is a breeze. Plus, since packages are usually vacuum-sealed, they keep unopened in the fridge longer than other meats.

And the best part: There are endless ways to turn it into a delicious, healthy meal. Here are 9 of our favorite recipes that make the most of chicken sausage.

1. Sausage and Rice Casserole

This one-pan dish only takes just 30 minutes to make, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights. Feel free to swap in different veggies if you have others on hand, and try quinoa instead of brown rice for more protein. However you approach it, leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day.

Try this recipe from Well Plated by Erin.

2. Chicken Sausage and Broccolini Pasta

A simple, hearty pasta dish is so satisfying. The broccolini adds a delicate flavor and texture, but if it isn’t easy to get, substitute fresh or frozen broccoli florets instead. Change the flavor of sausage for a twist, too.

Try this recipe from Little Broken.

3. Healthy 20-Minute Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

Just 20 minutes and one sheet pan means this meal is just as easy to clean up as it is to cook. Use any combo of veggies that you have. Be sure to cut denser vegetables (think sweet potatoes and carrots) smaller than lighter ones (peppers and onion), so everything is cooked through at the same time.

Try this recipe from Gimme Delicious.

4. Grilled Chicken Sausage, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pizza

Pizza on the grill is an easy and fun dinner (especially when it’s topped with tasty chicken sausage). But if you don’t have a grill, or the weather won’t cooperate, bake it in the oven instead. Place the pizza on a sheet pan and bake at 425°F until the cheese is melty, about 10 minutes.

Try this recipe from Pinch of Yum.

5. Grilled Chicken Sausage and Veggies Over Cauliflower Rice

Meals don’t have to be complicated to be delicious and satisfying. The flavorful sausage and colorful mix of veggies over cauliflower rice is loaded with good nutrition, and the recipe is flexible. Try quinoa or another grain instead of the cauli rice, sauté everything in a skillet instead of grilling, or add some spices from your pantry, if you like.

Try this recipe from The Real Food Dietitians.

6. Chicken Sausage and White Bean Stew

This comforting stew is a meal in a bowl. Thanks to protein from the sausage and beans, plus plenty of wilted spinach, garlic, thyme, a splash of white wine, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, you’ll relish every bite.

Try this recipe from Simply Scratch.

7. Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Skillet

Pasta makes this mix of sausage and vegetables into a hearty one-dish meal. If you’re gluten free or just want to sneak in some more fiber, try one of these bean-based pasta alternatives, or a spiraled vegetable, like zucchini.

Try this recipe from Garden in the Kitchen.

8. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Skillet with Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a dish that’ll get you out of bed in the morning, with spicy sausage to balance the sweet potatoes, plus peppers, onion, garlic, cheddar, and eggs. Or, enjoy it in the evening, as a breakfast-for-dinner treat.

Try this recipe from Taste and See.

9. Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

You can enjoy this colorful dinner as is, or you can use the mix as a base for other dishes. Stuff some of it into pita halves for sandwiches, pile it on rice, or toss it with your favorite pasta. With the cumin, chili powder, and poblano pepper in here, this dish could even work as a taco filling.

Try this recipe from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.