Let’s face it, many people don’t like leftovers, dry leathery, mash on a plate. Well, it’s time those leftovers have a makeover. A simple meal with minimal cleanup, transforming those leftovers into a one-pot wonder Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet Dinner the whole family will love!
(Original post date Oct 10, 2017 / Links and post updated Oct 1, 2021)
I used to strongly dislike leftovers. Place them in the microwave… reheat… now you got dry chewy not so pleasant meals unless it is soup, I could always do leftover soup.
One week I was doing my weekly fridge clean out and for the third week in a row, I had a full kitchen trash bag. Full of all the wasted meals, veggies, fruits, sandwich meats, cheeses and everything in between.
It was then I decided this was a waste! A waste of money, time, effort, and why do I bother cooking meals every day of the week if this is what it leads to. It was time for a change.
I did some research and found out that an average family household every year throws out $2,200 in waste a year. As a nation, we throw out an approximate 60-million-tons worth of just produce annually.
A study at John Hopkins University stated that we could provide a 2,000-calorie diet to 84% of the population with all the waste American’s are throwing out every year. Yeah, that would take care of our hungry children and family issue.
I decided I had to do something. I decided to transform the leftovers into new meals. Healthy, non-dry, non-chewy, delicious leftovers. I wanted leftovers that did not taste or look like leftovers. One of the best ways to do this is with pasta. It is a kid’s favorite.
How to Make Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet Dinner
- In a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat brown Italian sausage. Once the sausage is browned add onions, cook for 3 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, leftover chicken, and olive oil to the skillet cook another 2 minutes.
- Add thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, basil, and oregano mix well. Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 1 cup water and bring to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer add macaroni give a quick stir, cover, and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid and give the pasta a stir. Turn burner off sprinkle top of noodles with cheese, cover until cheese is melted. Once the cheese is melted serve and enjoy.
Cutting back on waste has never been so deliciously easy. Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet Meal is a one-pot wonder the whole family will love.
Other Leftover Creations
FAQ and Tips
Common Questions that get asked about the recipe, and tips to save you time and money.
- Can I use beef or pork leftovers for this dish?
Sure! This recipe is very flexible. - Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, it can be made up to 3 days in advance. Keep it in the fridge and when you are ready place in a 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes. - This looks good but I don’t eat pork products can I make this without the sausage?
Yes you can, just keep in mind that the sausage helps flavor the dish so the flavor profile may not be the same.
Recipe for Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet Dinner
Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
- ¼ lb Mild Italian sausage
- 2 cups Leftover roasted chicken
- 1 small Yellow onion Chopped
- 4 oz Baby Portobello Mushrooms Sliced (3-4 mushrooms)
- 1 zuchinni Sliced into half-moons
- ½ tbsp dry Thyme
- ¼ tbsp Garlic powder
- ¼ tbsp dry rosemary
- 1 tbsp dry basil
- 1 tbsp dry oregano
- 1 15oz can Diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz can Tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz Salad macaroni
- ¼ cup Italian blend shredded cheese
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat brown Italian sausage. Once the sausage is browned add onions, cook for 3 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, leftover chicken, and olive oil to the skillet cook another 2 minutes.
- Add thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, basil, and oregano mix well. Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 1 cup water and bring to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer add macaroni give a quick stir, cover, and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid and give the pasta a stir. Turn burner off sprinkle top of noodles with cheese, cover until cheese is melted. Once the cheese is melted serve and enjoy.
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