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Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese Recipes | Italian Dish

Ann

July 18, 2024

Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Easy & Delicious Italian Dish. Just picture it is a comforting dish with the richness of Bolognese sauce and the lightness of chicken sausage in one. Enter Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese! It offers a healthier version of an Italian staple without sacrificing flavor. Whether you are having family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will be your go-to.

Table of Contents

History of Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce has its roots in Bologna, Italy where it is commonly referred to as “ragù alla Bolognese.” This thick meat sauce usually contains beef, pork, vegetables, wine and tomatoes. It has gone through many changes over time, with various regions and cooks adding their own twists to it. The current classic version is a testament to the progression of this dish while maintaining strong flavors yet balanced hearty texture.

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese

The perfect blend of ingredients makes delicious Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients:

1 lb, sliced or crumbled: Chicken Sausage.
2 tbsps: Olive Oil.
1 large, finely chopped: Onion.
4 cloves, minced: Garlic.
2 finely chopped: Carrots.
2 stalks, finely chopped: Celery.
2 tablespoons: Tomato Paste.
1 can (28 oz): Crushed Tomatoes.
1 cup: Chicken Broth.
1/2 cup (optional, for depth of flavor): Red Wine.
1: Bay Leaf.
1 teaspoon: Dried Oregano.
1 teaspoon: Dried Basil.
To taste: Salt and Pepper.
1 lb: Spaghetti.

Optional Add-Ins:

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for serving.
Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick.

Choosing the Right Chicken Sausage

Quality chicken sausage is essential for great taste. Consider the following when choosing:

Types of Chicken Sausage:

Italian Chicken Sausage: Mild or hot, with traditional Italian herbs.
Smoked Chicken Sausage: Adds smokiness to the sauce.
Herb-Infused Chicken Sausage: Varieties that contain additional herbs and spices.

Tips for Selecting:

Check Ingredients: The sausages should have few additives and preservatives.
Freshness: Purchase from a reputable butcher or brand.
Flavor Profile: Choose sausages that match the flavors of the Bolognese sauce.

Preparing the Vegetables

Vegetables are an important component of any good Bolognese sauce; they provide flavor and texture. Here’s how to prepare them:

Onion: Finely chop it so that it mixes well into the sauce bringing in sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Mince it as much as possible to release its full flavor.
Carrots and Celery: Finely chop these two vegetables since they add a gentle sweet taste plus a little bite when cooked.

Making Bolognese

Now, let’s go ahead and make a rich and flavorful bolognese sauce:

Fry the Veggies:

Medium heat olive oil in a large pot.
Put in chopped onions, garlic, carrots and celery.
And cook until all vegetables are softened, onions are transparent about 5 – 7 minutes.

Chicken Sausage Cooking:

In the pot add sliced or crumbled chicken sausage.
Break it up as it cooks while cooking until browned sausage is well cooked through.

Tomato Paste Additions:

Stir in tomato paste for around two to three minutes to give out a better taste of sauce.

Deglaze with Wine (Optional):

Add red wine into the pot after scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
The wine should simmer for some time so that it can reduce slightly.

Tomatoes and Broth Addition:

Put crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into the pot.
Bay leaf, dried oregano, dried basil must be stirred in as well,
Season with salt and pepper accordingly to taste or preference.

Let the Sauce Simmer:

Simmer the sauce.
Turning the heat down to low, let it simmer for 30 minutes at least, stirring time after time.
As it simmers for a longer period of time, its taste becomes richer and deeper.

Cooking the Spaghetti

Cook your spaghetti while your sauce simmers:

Bring Water to a Boil:

Bring salted water to boil in a large pot.

Making Pasta:

Break up pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions.
Before draining, save a cup of pasta water.

Drain and Toss

Drain pasta and return it back into the same pot.
Dribble an amount of olive oil on top in order not to allow them stick together.

Combining Sauce with Spaghetti

To blend perfectly the sauce with spaghetti:

Mix In:

Put cooked spaghetti into the pot with sauce.
Gently mix so that all pasta is coated by sauce equally.

Change Thickness:

If you find that the sauce is too thick, add some drops of pasta water saved earlier until you reach desired reliability.

Simmering for Enhanced Flavor

The process of cooking Bolognese has some stages that must be observed keenly though others are just optional. The following can be noted as follows:

Low & Slow :

Keep heat low and simmer very slowly keeping an eye on it occasionally stirring it so that it does not get stuck at bottom.

Time :

Allow simmering for at least 30 minutes which can even go longer depending on what you prefer eventually they will come together harmoniously as one good bolognaise sauce.

Suggestions on How to Serve

Supplementary sides and garnishes for Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Some Pairings:

Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread always goes well.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the bolognese.
Wine: Chianti or Sangiovese, red wines, can be used to enhance the flavor of this meal.

Tips on Presentation:

Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil on top.
Serve Hot: The dish should be served hot so as to enjoy its taste at full capacity.

Saving Leftovers for Later

To save and reheat your Bolognese:

Preservation:

Airtight Containers: Leftovers are kept in air tight containers only.
Refrigeration: It should stay in the fridge for a maximum of three days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: On low heat, reheat it gently on the stovetop adding water or broth if necessary.
Microwave Oven: Heat it in the microwave occasionally stirring it so that heating can be consistent throughout.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store and reheat your Bolognese:

Save it:

Keep any leftovers in tight containers.

Cooling:

Put it into a refrigerator, where it will not go bad for three days.

Reheat It:

The best way to heat up gently is over low on top adding a bit of water or broth alternatively.
Heat in microwave stirring occasionally till reheated evenly throughout.

Variations of Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: Traditional ingredients of chicken sausage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots celery and a little red wine. Allow the flavors to blend together by simmering for a classic where food is comfort.
Ingredients: Chicken Sausage, Onions, Garlic, Tomatoes, Carrots Celery, Red Wine Herbs.

Spicy Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: To make your bolognese spicy you make use of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add spicy chicken sausage. This is ideal for those who like a little kick to their meals.
Ingredients: Red Pepper Flakes, Spicy Chicken Sausage, Onions, Garlic, Tomatoes, Carrots, Celery, Red Wine.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: Add heavy cream or some mascarpone cheese on top just before serving thus creating a creamy-rich sauce. It therefore produces an indulgent texture and taste that cannot be compared to any other variation.
Ingredients: Chicken sausage, onions- garlic- tomatoes- carrots- celery-heavy cream, mascarpone herbs.

Vegetarian Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: A vegetarian-friendly version involves substituting chicken sausage with plant-based sausages and increasing the amount of vegetables used in it. Besides that you can also add mushrooms into this dish to give it that meaty texture.
Ingredients: Plant Based Sausages —Onions —Garlic—Tomatoes—Carrots—Celery—Mushrooms, Red wine, Herbs.

Whole Grain Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: To increase its fiber content and nutritional value we will use whole grain spaghetti . This healthy variation does not compromise on flavor and is perfect for any balanced meal.
Ingredients: Carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery; red wine, herbs.

Chicken Sausage and Spinach Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: For added vitamins and minerals include fresh spinach in the sauce. This brings flavor and nutrition as the spinach wilts into the sauce.
Ingredients: carrots- onions- garlic- tomatoes- celery-spinach-red wine –herbs.

Chicken Sausage and Mushroom Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: The chicken sausage is flavored with earthy mushrooms to give it an umami taste. This makes the sauce more complex.
Ingredients: Onions—Garlic—Tomatoes—Carrots—Celery—Mushrooms, Red wine, Herbs.

Low-Carb Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: Now we are going to replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash that offers low-carb option. This variation works best for people following keto or low-carb diets and lifestyles.
Ingredients: Onions-Garlic-Tomatoes-Carrots-Celery-Zucchini Noodles, Spaghetti Squash, Red wine, Herbs.

Chicken Sausage and Bell Pepper Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: There is a sweet savory twist by adding colour bell peppers to your sauce. They have a strong flavour due to presence of vitamin C.
Ingredients: Onions-Garlic-Tomatoes-Carrots-Celery-Bell Peppers, Red wine, Herbs.

Mediterranean Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: A good way of making this recipe different from all others is by adding olives, capers and sprinkle some feta cheese on top of it all, which provides a tangy savory aspect of classic dish.
Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, Tomatoes, Carrots, Celery, Olives ,Capers, Feta cheese, red wine, Herbs.

Chicken Sausage and Lentil Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: You can increase its protein content by incorporating lentils into the sauce. This is a filling and healthy choice for those who like eating heavy dishes during their meals.
Ingredients: Carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery, red wine, herbs.

Chicken Sausage and Eggplant Spaghetti Bolognese:

Description: It has diced eggplants which makes gives it a unique texture and flavor. The eggplant soaks up the flavors thus adding a unique aspect to the meal.
Ingredients: Chicken sausage, onions, garlic, tomatoes,carrots, celery, eggplant, red wine and herbs.

Herbed Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Explanation: Spice up the sauce with various types of fresh herbs such as basil, oregano and thyme. Fresh herbs will give a strong taste to this food.
Ingredients: chicken sausage, onions, gloves of garlic, tomatoes, pieces of carrot, bulbs of selery, fresh basil, dried oregano, dried thyme and red wine.

Dairy-Free Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese:

Explanation: For a dairy-free version , cheese or cream should not be included in the recipe. However instead use nutritional yeast which has a cheesy taste without having any milk on it.
Ingredients: chicken sausage, onions, cloves of garlic, tomatoes, pieces of carrot, bulbs of celory, nutritional yeast and red wine and herbs.

Chicken Sausage and Pesto Spaghetti Bolognese:

Explanation: Just before serving stir in a spoonful of pesto sauce for an instant freshness factor. The addition of pine nuts in the pesto provides complexity that makes the bolognese even more delectable.
Ingredients: Chicken sausage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, celery, pesto sauce, red wine, herbs.

Through these variations you can enjoy Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese differently according to personal preferences on diet and tastes.

Health Benefits and Nutrition of Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese

Health Benefits:

Lean Protein: ‘Chicken sausage’ offers a lean source of protein which is essential for muscle repair, immune function and overall health. This is a healthier substitute for traditional pork or beef sausage that contains less fat and calories.
Rich in Vegetables: Some of the vegetables in this recipe include carrots, celery and tomatoes. These vegetables provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium necessary to support immune health as well as maintain healthy skin and vision.
Whole Grains: By using a whole wheat spaghetti you can increase your dietary fiber content which helps digestion, blood sugar control and keeps one fuller longer.
Healthy Fats: When you decide to go on with olive oil in the recipe you get to take advantage of healthy monounsaturated fats that enhance heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants are present in the tomatoes plus herbs used as ingredients; these prevent damage to the cells caused by free radicals reducing the risks of chronic diseases.
Balanced Meal: The combination of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats makes it a balanced meal; thus ensuring availability of various nutrients needed for any healthy diet.

Nutrition:

The nutritional content in Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese varies depending on specific ingredients used together with portion sizes.Here’s an estimated nutrient breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories : 350-450 calories
Protein : 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates : 40-50 grams
Fat : 10-15 grams
Fiber : 4-6 grams
Sugar: About 6-10 grams (from vegetables & tomatoes)
Sodium : about 700-900 mg (varies based on sausage & added salt)

Key Nutrients:

Vitamin A Supports Vision, Immune Function And Skin Health.
Vitamin C Boosts The Immune System, Assists With Iron Absorption And Promote Healthy Skin.
Potassium Helps In Fluid Balance, Muscle Contractions, And Nerve Impulse Transmissions.
Iron Is Necessary For The Formation Of Hemoglobin That Transports Oxygen In Your Blood.

Tips for a Healthier Version:

Choose Whole Grain Pasta: For more fiber and nutrients.
Low-Sodium Sausage: To manage your salt intake select sausages with reduced sodium.
Add More Veggies: For additional vitamins, minerals and fiber, increase the amount of vegetables used.
Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil and avocados are great sources of healthy fats to consider adding.
Moderate Cheese: Use less parmesan cheese in order to keep calorie and fat content minimal.

By incorporating these healthy ingredients and tips, you can have a delicious and nutritious Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese that supports your overall health and well-being.

Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken Sausage:

Issue: This can cause dryness and rubberiness in the sausage.
Solution: Just cook it and retain its moistness and taste always.

Using Low-Quality Sausage:

Issue: Poor-quality sausages can be filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives, which affect their taste and health benefits.
Solution: The best flavor and nutritional value are obtained by opting for top quality chicken sausage without too many additives.

Skipping the Sautéing Step:

Issue: If not properly sautéed, the vegetables and sausage will lack depth and richness in sauce.
Solution: They should be browned till they turn aromatic during sautéing of vegetables, making a well-flavored base for sauce.

Not Deglazing the Pan:

Issue: Failure to deglaze means missing out on some flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of a pan.
Solution: After sautéing, one may use red wine, broth or water for deglazing a pan by scraping up all those browned bits that would enhance the sauce.

Using the Wrong Type of Pasta:

Issue: Some pasta shapes do not have enough grip on sauce hence resulting into an unfused dish.
Solution: Stick with spaghetti or other long shapes of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine that could hold sauces perfectly.

Neglecting to Season Properly:

Issue: Under-seasoned sauce tastes insipid; no appeal at all.
Solution: Make sure you season your food every step you take while cooking so that you can get balanced taste in this case.

Adding Too Much Liquid:

Issue: It will lack thickness when too much water is added to it .
Solution: Add liquid gradually then simmer so as to reduce its quantity in order to make it thick.

Not Simmering Long Enough:

Issue: Short simmering time leads to a sauce that is not yet fully flavored.
Solution: It is advisable to let the sauce simmer on low heat for a minimum of 30 minutes, more if possible, so as to allow flavors to combine together and unify.

Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water:

Issue: This water has starch that makes the sauce stick to pasta well.
Solution: Before getting rid of pasta, reserve one cup of its water. In case you need it, use it to adjust consistency of the sauce.

Improperly Storing Leftovers:

Issue: When not stored properly, leftovers go bad and lose their taste.
Solution: Storing in refrigerators should always be done in airtight containers such as jars or bowls with covers sealed on top. The leftovers should be used up within three days though before serving again heat them gently .

Using Too Much Cheese:

Issue: The cheese may saturate the whole dish and raise caloric content unnecessarily when too much is added.
Solution: To maintain balance in terms of taste, use carefully chosen amount of Parmesan cheese.

Not Balancing Acidity:

Issue: Tomatoes’ acidity tends to dominate without any balance.
Solution: A pinch of sugar or a little cream can also be added to neutralize the acid from tomatoes.

Ignoring Portion Sizes:

Issue: Taking large portions can make you eat more than what is necessary hence an unbalanced diet.
Solution: Serve small quantities accompanied by either salads or vegetables alongside; this will enable you have balanced diet.

Using Pre-Made Sauces:

Issue: Many pre-made sauces contain high levels of sugar, preservatives and low-quality-based ingredients
Solution: Prepare your own sauce by using fresh and quality ingredients so as get best taste.

By avoiding these common mistakes while making Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese, you can be sure that your dish will not only be tasty but also well balanced.

Frequently Asked Question Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

FAQ 1: How would you know if the chicken sausages are cooked?

Ans. Chicken sausages are done when their inner temperature is 165°F (74°C). You would use a meat thermometer to take this reading by inserting it in the middle of the sausage. Additionally, they should be solid when squeezed and no pinkness inside, with clear juices.

FAQ 2: What can you do to make spaghetti bolognese more thrilling?

Ans. To give its taste some excitement, try adding red wine, fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano and thyme) or vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers and spinach. You can also experiment with different types of meat or sausage, add a little cream for richness and finish off with fresh grated Parmesan cheese plus a drizzle of olive oil.

FAQ 3: How do you enhance the taste of bolognese?

Ans. In order to make it rich flavor in Bolognese, cook high quality meat ,fry onions garlic ,and carrots till they become brown in color for depth; mix in red wine for complexity; then let it simmer for long time so that flavors will come together. Tomato paste can be added to enrich it further along side with fresh herbs while cream or milk may also be added to give it richer flavor.

FAQ 4: Can we eat chicken sausage without cooking?

Ans. No, chicken sausage cannot be eaten raw because eating uncooked chicken could cause food poisoning due to presence of harmful organisms.

FAQ 5: Can I add mushrooms to the sauce?

Ans. Without any doubts mushrooms introduce appetizing umami taste into it.

Conclusion:

Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is one scrumptious Italian dish with a healthier twist. Each step leading to its preparation including ingredient selection and perfecting simmering process contributes to a nutritious and delicious meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or party, this recipe will definitely win hearts. So, get the ingredients and cook!

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