Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage
This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage is a delightful twist on a classic summer dish. Packed with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, it’s the perfect addition to your next picnic or barbecue. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and savory chicken sausage creates a harmonious blend that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of bowtie pasta
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced chicken sausages to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, torn basil leaves, and cooked chicken sausage.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve the Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
How to Prepare:
To prepare this Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage, start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add sliced chicken sausages and cook them until browned and cooked through. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, torn basil leaves, and cooked chicken sausage. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time to cook the pasta, sauté the garlic, brown the chicken sausage, and assemble the salad. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made in no time!
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. It can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, feel free to increase the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutritional information for this Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, as a general guideline, a serving of this salad is typically low in calories and high in protein, thanks to the chicken sausage. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially when made with fresh ingredients.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage by adding other vegetables of your choice. Some delicious options include grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or even avocado slices.
- If you’re vegetarian or prefer not to use chicken sausage, you can substitute it with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether.
- To make this dish even more vibrant, consider using different colors of cherry tomatoes, such as yellow or orange varieties.
- Make sure to use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. You can tear them into small pieces or chiffonade them by rolling the leaves and slicing them into thin strips.
- If making this salad ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator and add the basil just before serving to prevent it from wilting.
- This Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meat or fish.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well.
Q: Can I make this salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the basil right before serving to keep it fresh.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil if you don’t have fresh. However, keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chicken sausage, you can use any other type of sausage you prefer, such as pork or turkey sausage.
Caprese Chicken Sausage Recipes:
- Arugula Pesto Pasta with Caprese Chicken Sausage: This flavorful pasta dish combines the peppery taste of arugula pesto with the deliciousness of caprese chicken sausage. It’s a dish that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. 
- Caprese Zoodles with Chicken Sausage: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try this recipe that replaces pasta with zucchini noodles. Tossed with caprese chicken sausage, it’s a healthy and delicious meal. 
- Caprese Chicken Sausage Flatbreads: Enjoy the flavors of caprese chicken sausage on a crispy flatbread. These tasty bites are perfect for entertaining or a quick and easy dinner. 
- Italian Caprese & Chicken Sausage Mini Pizza: If you’re craving pizza, try these mini pizzas topped with caprese chicken sausage. They’re the perfect size for snacking or as an appetizer. 
Source
- CK Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage - Clandestine Kitchen
- Arugula Pesto Pasta with Caprese Chicken Sausage | Cait’s Plate
- Wegmans
- Gilbert’s Craft Sausages
- Caprese Zoodles with Chicken Sausage | Gilbert’s Craft Sausages
- GILBERTS CAPRESE CHICKEN SAUSAGE 10/10OZ ~ Moms Priority
- One Pot Chicken Sausage Caprese Pasta - Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- 25 Healthy Chicken Sausage Recipes - Insanely Good
- Caprese Chicken Sausage Flatbreads | Gilbert’s Craft Sausages | Chicken
- Carols Recipes: How to Make Perfect Italian Caprese & Chicken Sausage
Disclaimer: The information and recipes mentioned above have been sourced from various websites. The author does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please consult a professional chef or nutritionist for precise measurements, dietary restrictions, and advice.
