This Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Broccoli and Mushrooms is a zesty, indulgent dish that’s sure to please the entire family!
Hello folks!
Sorry I was MIA on Monday. I missed you guys, but life’s been pretty hectic around here lately. Plus, it’s still summer, so a little day off and some fun was totally in order!
Believe it or not, last week Mother Nature gave us a little break. The heat and humidity finally went down a bit, and it was totally comfortable to sit outside on the back porch with a glass of wine and enjoy our dinner. It’s seems like it’s been forever!
I even broke out the pasta pot and made this Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Broccoli and Mushrooms, to rave reviews, I might add! (Well, not at first, but once he gave it a try it was a big thumbs up!)
Let’s begin at the beginning, shall we?
When Mr. Picky asked what we were having for dinner and I mentioned this tangy pasta dish, you know I got some flack. And actually, not because of the veggies. He happens to love broccoli and mushrooms.
First, it was, I don’t like chicken sausage. So I said, well, you don’t like chicken sausage because the first time you tried it, (when I wasn’t home and he had to fend for himself), you thought you could use your fabulous kitchen skills and cook it up in the microwave like a hot dog.
Yes friends, if you can’t cook it in the microwave or eat it cold, Tom is not making it. So most of the time, if I’m not around, it’s PB&J, a hot dog or cold cuts. Pathetic little fellow, isn’t he?
So of course, the first time he tried chicken sausage he cooked it in the microwave (first mistake) and then undercooked it and said it was terrible. Total mush. I hate chicken sausage he says.
Next up, it was the balsamic vinegar. I don’t like balsamic vinegar he says. Ok. So when have you tasted balsamic vinegar Tom, because I know for sure it wasn’t in a salad? His response…I don’t know. I just know I won’t like it. Ugh! Classic 50 year old man trapped in a 5 year old body.
Well I said, this is what’s for dinner. Take it or leave it. He must have been hungry because he took it.
And much to his surprise (and mine) he loved it. Miracles can happen folks!
The chicken sausage isn’t mushy he says. I know Tom. I cooked it in a skillet until it was done right. Not a microwave.
And wow, this pasta has a nice zesty flavor to it. Oh really Tom? That would be the balsamic. You know? The stuff you don’t like.
A Few Cook’s Notes for Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Broccoli and Mushrooms
I used Aidells Italian Style Smoked Chicken Sausage with Mozzarella Cheese, but feel free to use your favorite flavor.
I cooked the chicken sausage in my kitchen skillet over medium heat until lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. You can also grill the sausage if you’d like.
I used casarecce pasta, but feel free to substitute penne, bowties or any other short pasta you like.
The balsamic is combined with a bit of heavy cream and parmesan to make a smooth, indulgent sauce that will turn your ordinary pasta dish into a family favorite.
This easy, comforting dish is perfect for those busy weeknights, especially when the kids are back in school. No need for sides because all the veggies are included. And no sides means no extra dishes which makes cleanup even easier.
Hope y’all enjoy it as much as Mr. Picky!
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Enjoy
Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta
Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Broccoli and Mushrooms
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 12 oz. Casarecce pasta
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 18 oz. smoked chicken sausages, I used aidells (six sausages)
- 3/4 lb. broccoli, cleaned, trimmed and cut into florets
- 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned and heated though. Remove from pan and cut into chunks on the diagonal. Set aside.
- Steam broccoli in a steamer basket set over some boiling water for 4-5 minutes until just slightly tender. Remove from heat.
- To the same large skillet, add remaining one tablespoon oil and one tablespoon of the butter along with the mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, sausage, balsamic vinegar, heavy cream, remaining three tablespoons butter and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from the heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and add the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.Serve with additional Parmesan cheese is desired.
Good thing Tom has you so he gets to eat some delicious food! What a hearty and flavourful dish, Mary Ann! I especially love the balsamic touch – huge vinegar fan over here! Pinned! Have a wonderful weekend ahead :) XO
He’s a work in progress Dawn!
So glad to be subscribed :-)
Thanks so much love!
Hahaha! I’m really glad Tom decided he could eat balsamic vinegar because I was worried for his sanity :). This sounds AMAZING! Pasta, mushrooms, balsamic. . .it’s all my favorites in one glorious dish!
Ha! He loved it Kelsie!
Lol! Tom sounds just like my husband :) So glad he enjoyed this because it’s absolutely a perfect bowl of pasta goodness :)
He’s tough when it comes to certain foods Jennifer! He’s a work in progress!
This looks so cozy and delicious!!! I’m read for fall!! xoxo
Me too! Thanks Rebecca!
This is my kind of meal! Just perfect as the temperatures start to dip! Pinned!
Yes Annie! I always look for pasta dishes when it cools off.
Literally could eat this entire pan!
Lol! Thanks Jennifer!
I’m literally never without a package of Aidell’s in the fridge, we love it, and this is just the kind of meal I love to throw together at the end of a busy day, love it Mary Ann!!
Yes, so easy Sue! And their sausages are delicious! Now, even Tom thinks so!
Hahaha! This made me laugh this morning. I’m alittle bit fussy bc I don’t like mushrooms. The only thing I would do differently, is saute some sweet onions and garlic first, bc I love those. Of course, I would leave out the mushrooms. Lol. This is a great fast and easy comfort dish, that I can’t wait to try! Have a great weekend!
I was trying to give you 5 stars Mary Ann, but it wouldn’t work! So please check the recipe rating to see why that is being so stubborn! Lol.
Will do! Thanks so much for following along and giving me a heads up about the rating!
That sausage looks amazing! Adding this to my weeknight dinner plans, it will be a huge hit.
It is my favorite chicken sausage Matt!
Life has been hectic here too, so I totally get it! This easy, comforting dinner is just what I need at the end of a busy day!
Yes it is Lindsay!
This looks like a perfect hearty meal for fall! It’s humid here today but cooler weather is just around the corner. Your husband sounds like mine, and I’ve had similar conversations with mine. I’m glad you had success winning him over to this tasty meal!
Tom cracks me up! I love that you won him over in the end with this delicious pasta! The weather is starting to cool down here (thankfully) and this is just the kind of hearty dish I’m craving!
I also have a Mr. Picky but I he likes sausages and broccoli is one of the few veggies he will eat. Your pasta is perfect , let’s see what he says about the balsamic vinegar?
As always, this pasta looks AMAZING!!! Can you believe I have never made a balsamic-pasta before?! Pinning this!
Hahahahaha, way to show Mr. Picky the error of his taste bud’s ways! Atta girl.
Seriously though, this pasta dish looks and sounds remarkable! We’ve FINALLY gotten a break from the heat in our neck of the woods too, which is perfect timing for a yummy recipe like this!!
Such a flavorful and delicious dinner idea!
It’s a good thing Tom has you to cook for him on a regular basis. The poor guy! :) This pasta sounds wonderful. I really like the idea of the balsamic – that would add an amazing amount of flavor! This looks like a great dish for a weeknight meal!
Lol! The balsamic gives it a great tangy flavor Kathy! We love it!
Your poor husband, Mary Ann! What would he do without you. I’m glad that you can talk him into eating everything that you make since your recipes are incredibly inspiring. Love the balsamic dressing with this – gives it a bit of zing! Pasta dishes when it is hectic are my go to dish! Hope things calm down a bit and glad your weather is cooling down – it’s been crazy hot everywhere.
He’s a work in progress Geraldine! I’ve been working on him for years! Our son Casey is exactly like him!
LOL best story ever!!! My boyfriend states on a regular basis that he doesn’t like pumpkin. hates it actually. However, he loves every pumpkin dish I make…it makes absolutely no sense. Anyways, this sounds amazing – I happen to love chicken sausage (ive never cooked it in the microwave though).
Sometimes men make no sense! Lol!
This sounds delicious, I love the sweet tang of balsamic vinegar. Too funny with the whole ” I know I won’t like it”. My mom does this with me all the time, sometimes even after she tries something and likes it! As though its somehow changed or something. Been getting her to be more adventurous though. I think we’re both gonna love this!
I LOVE the tangy taste of the balsamic Erika. Since my 50 year old husband who’s trapped in a 5 year old body enjoyed it, I think you both will really enjoy it too! Thanks for following along here at the BHK!
I modified this because of the ingredients I had on hand but holy cow was it good!!!!! I used regular spaghetti, cut up chicken breast and I made little meatballs out of ground sausage. I didn’t have mushrooms so I left them out. I didn’t have cream so I used whole milk and a little extra butter. I also only had garlic powder on hand. It would be better with sausage but the sauce! I’m amazed at how simple and delicious!!!!!! I look forward to trying more of your recipes. I’m blown away by how good this is! Thank you so much.
So happy you tried this Joanna!! And I love your little tweaks. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! You made my day!
It sounded good, but the recipe calls for way too much balsamic vinegar, and this from someone who likes it. If I were to make it again, I’d add less.
Hey there Beth! Feel free to add as much as you’d prefer next time.