Quick & Easy One Pan Pasta Bake with Chicken Sausage

A creamy one-pan pasta bake with chicken sausage, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce—quick, easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights!

When life gets busy, weeknight dinners can feel like a daunting task. Between juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists, the last thing you need is a complicated recipe requiring multiple pots, pans, and hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Quick & Easy One Pan Pasta Bake with Chicken Sausage comes in! This recipe offers a perfect balance of hearty, nutritious ingredients and minimal effort, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.

This dish is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Tender pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli are brought together with a creamy Alfredo sauce—all baked to perfection in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this pasta bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into the details and see why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This No-Boil Pasta Bake

Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is prepared in one pan, you’ll save time and effort with fewer dishes.
Family-Friendly: The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, pasta, and chicken sausage is a hit with the entire family.
Versatile: Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences—try different vegetables or sausage flavors.
Balanced Meal: This recipe includes protein, carbs, and veggies, making it a wholesome dinner option.
Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you only have time for minimal prep.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients in this One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Dry Pasta of Choice: Use your favorite pasta shape. Penne pasta, rotini, or shells work well, as they hold the sauce beautifully.
Chicken Sausage: Opt for pre-cooked chicken sausage for convenience. Feel free to experiment with flavors like garlic herb or spicy Italian.
Raw Broccoli: Adds a nutritious, fresh crunch. You can substitute with cauliflower or zucchini if desired.
Alfredo Sauce: Creamy and flavorful, Alfredo sauce binds all the ingredients together. Choose store-bought for ease or make your own if you have time.
Water: Helps cook the pasta directly in the baking dish while blending with the sauce for a creamy consistency.
Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color as a garnish.

How to Make this Easy Dinner

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, mix the uncooked pasta, chicken sausage pieces, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and water. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil (optional) to prevent over-browning and bake for 40 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, top with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

baked penne pasta with broccoli, alfredo sauce, and chicken sausage

Tips for Serving One-Pan Pasta Recipes

Top with your favorite cheese. Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese are delicious with pasta dishes.
Use your favorite protein: Pre-cooked Italian sausage requires less prep in the kitchen and has loads of flavor. Leftover chicken and rotisserie chicken are other easy proteins to be used, too.
Include a sauce: I chose Alfredo here because it is loved by the whole family, but red pasta sauce can be used as well for a lower fat option.

How to Store Baked Pasta

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: This pasta bake freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of water or milk to maintain the creamy texture.

Tips for Making the Best Meaty Pasta Bake Recipe

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality Alfredo sauce and fresh broccoli for the best flavor.
Customizable Add-Ins: Try adding mushrooms, bell pepper, or spinach for extra veggies.
Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Test the Pasta: Different pasta shapes may cook at slightly different rates. Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.

Looking for Lower Carb Dishes? Try these

Baked Spaghetti Squash with Cheesy Sauce & Spinach

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Sauce

This Quick & Easy One Pan Pasta Bake with Chicken Sausage is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavor make it a go-to option for busy cooks. Try it tonight and discover how effortless and satisfying a home-cooked meal can be!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Swap chicken sausage for turkey, pork, or plant-based sausage to suit your preferences.

What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?

You can substitute with a homemade white sauce or even marinara for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish ahead and store it in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like asparagus, peas, or cherry tomatoes for variety.