Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta: Never Watery!

Posted on April 22, 2025

Have you ever craved a comforting, creamy pasta dish, only to be disappointed by a watery sauce that slides right off the noodles? I’ve been there! Many times, in fact. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta recipe. It’s a game-changer because it delivers a luxuriously thick, rich sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta and succulent chicken sausage. Forget watery pasta woes; this recipe guarantees a perfect, satisfying meal every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Unbelievably Creamy: The sauce is thick, rich, and flavorful, perfectly coating the pasta and other ingredients.
Simple Slow Cooker Magic: Minimal effort is required. Let the slow cooker do the work!
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferred pasta shape, sausage type, or spice level.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights, as you can prepare the components in advance.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta

Let’s talk ingredients! This recipe uses a combination of pantry staples and fresh components to build a symphony of flavors. The creaminess comes from a blend of cream cheese, condensed soup, and a touch of milk, while the chicken and sausage provide a savory protein punch. The garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance all the flavors, creating a truly satisfying dish. Let’s break it down:

The Foundation:

1 pound penne pasta: Penne is excellent for capturing the creamy sauce, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape, such as rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta.

Protein Powerhouse:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces ensures faster and more even cooking in the slow cooker.
1 pound cooked chicken sausage, sliced: Chicken sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Choose your favorite variety-Italian, Andouille, or even a sweet apple sausage would work well.

The Creamy Dream Team:

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the base of our creamy sauce. Feel free to use cream of chicken soup as a substitute if you prefer.
1 cup chicken broth: The chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
1/2 cup milk: Milk contributes to the overall creaminess and helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. You can also use half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Cubing the cream cheese ensures it melts evenly into the sauce, creating a smooth and luscious texture. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the best flavor and texture.

Flavor Enhancers:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle but essential savory note to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.

The Finishing Touch:

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta: Step-by-Step

Ready to make some creamy, dreamy pasta? Don’t worry, this recipe is incredibly easy, especially with the help of your trusty slow cooker! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and comforting meal in no time.

Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. It’s crucial to cook the pasta to al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the slow cooker. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. You don’t want any extra water diluting your sauce!
Assemble the Sauce in the Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced chicken sausage, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, cubed cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for optimal flavor infusion.
Slow Cooker Magic: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Shred the Chicken and Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This not only breaks down the chicken into bite-sized pieces but also helps to thicken the sauce as the chicken fibers release into the creamy mixture. This is a key step in preventing a watery sauce!
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the cooked pasta until it’s completely coated in the creamy chicken sausage sauce. Ensure the pasta is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Garnish and Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. The fresh parsley adds a vibrant burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta Every Time

Want to ensure your Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a resounding success? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As mentioned earlier, al dente pasta is key. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unappetizing in the slow cooker.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.
Customize the Sausage: Experiment with different types of chicken sausage to find your favorite flavor combination. Italian, Andouille, or apple sausage all work well.
Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it thickens upon cooling.
Consider serving your pasta bake with a fresh green salad for a complete meal! If you enjoy cheesy comfort food, you might also enjoy trying our recipe for cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few serving suggestions:

A Simple Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would add a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Your Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use regular sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken sausage to keep things a bit lighter, you can definitely substitute with your favorite type of sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as regular sausage may take longer to cook through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the sauce in the slow cooker ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and stir it into the sauce. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish (pasta and sauce) and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

While you can technically freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. The cream sauce may separate a bit. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.

What if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

What if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce seems a little thin after cooking, don’t worry! There are a few easy fixes. Make sure you shredded the chicken well, as this helps release starches and thicken the sauce. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir until the sauce thickens. For another flavor option, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese. If you like pasta recipes that offer flexibility, you may want to check out our recipe for Sausage and Bell Pepper Pasta!

Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a pasta experience like no other! Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. I can’t wait to hear what you think!