Tuscan Chicken and Sausage Skillet with Shrimp and Kale

Name: tuscan chicken and sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 8 oz chicken tenders; – 4 oz sweet Italian sausage; – 1 cup sliced mushrooms; – ¼ cup roasted red peppers; – 6 oz sweet Marsala wine; – 6 oz chicken stock; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for making the beurre manié; – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening sauce; – ½ lb linguine or spaghetti; – 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese; – 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil; – Olive oil; – Salt; – Pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken and Sausage

Ease of preparation: This Tuscan chicken and sausage recipe comes together quickly, ready in about 20 minutes. With simple steps like browning chicken tenders, cooking sausage with vegetables, and making a rich, wine-infused sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want hearty Italian flavors without the fuss.
Health benefits: Packed with lean proteins from chicken and sausage, alongside nutrient-dense mushrooms and roasted red peppers, this dish supports a balanced diet. The use of broth-based sauce and fresh herbs adds antioxidant properties, vitamins A and C, and fewer calories than cream-based sauces, boosting your wellness effortlessly.
Versatility: This Tuscan chicken and sausage dish is highly adaptable to dietary needs. Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta, replace sausage with spicy chorizo or plant-based alternatives, or add leafy greens like spinach or cannellini beans for extra fiber and flavor, making it a flexible meal option.
Distinctive flavor: The flavor harmony of sweet Marsala wine, chicken stock, aromatic herbs, and sharp Romano cheese creates a distinctive Tuscan taste. Combined with tender chicken tenders, sweet Italian sausage, and roasted vegetables, this dish stands out as a comforting yet refined Italian-American classic.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken and Sausage
2. Essential Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken and Sausage
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Tuscan Chicken and Sausage: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Tuscan Chicken and Sausage
5. Mastering Tuscan Chicken and Sausage: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Tuscan Chicken and Sausage: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Chicken and Sausage
8. tuscan chicken and sausage

Essential Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken and Sausage

8 oz chicken tenders – provides tender, lean protein.
4 oz sweet Italian sausage – contributes rich, savory flavor.
1 cup sliced mushrooms – adds earthiness and texture.
¼ cup roasted red peppers – gives sweetness and vibrant color.
6 oz sweet Marsala wine – used to deglaze and infuse the sauce with depth.
6 oz chicken stock – forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for making the beurre manié to thicken sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – combined with butter to thicken sauce.
½ lb linguine or spaghetti – classic pasta base for serving.
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese – adds salty, sharp finishing flavor.
1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil – for fresh herbal aroma and garnish.
Olive oil – for browning proteins and vegetables.
Salt and pepper – to taste, seasoning the dish.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Substitute chicken and sausage with plant-based alternatives like seitan or tempeh, and use vegetable broth and vegan butter instead of stock and butter.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties such as rice or corn pasta, and ensure flour in the beurre manié is replaced with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
Low-calorie: Reduce butter amount, use lean chicken breasts, and swap sausage with turkey or veggie sausage. Incorporate more vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.

How to Prepare the Perfect Tuscan Chicken and Sausage: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Mise en Place and Prep

Gather all ingredients and prep them before cooking. Slice chicken tenders into strips, thinly slice sausage after removing casing, and have your sliced mushrooms and roasted red peppers ready. Grate Romano cheese and chop basil for garnish. Cook pasta according to package instructions and reserve some pasta water.

Second Step: Brown the Chicken

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge chicken tenders lightly in seasoned flour, then brown them until golden on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Third Step: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and roasted peppers and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms release their juices and soften.

Fourth Step: Deglaze and Build Sauce

Pour in half the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Allow the alcohol to cook off, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, black pepper to taste, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Fifth Step: Thicken Sauce with Beurre Manié

In a small bowl, combine softened butter and flour to create the beurre manié. Whisk it into the simmering sauce a little at a time until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in the remaining Marsala wine and Romano cheese, allowing the sauce to meld flavors over low heat for 2-3 minutes.

Sixth Step: Reintroduce Chicken and Combine

Return the browned chicken tenders to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to infuse flavors and heat through.

Final Step: Serve

Plate the cooked pasta, spoon the Tuscan chicken and sausage mixture over it, and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

To adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets, substitute proteins and pasta accordingly, and swap dairy butter and flour in the sauce thickener for plant-based and gluten-free alternatives.

“Prepping all your ingredients ahead helps streamline the cooking process, letting this Tuscan chicken and sausage skillet come together quickly without missing a beat.”

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Tuscan Chicken and Sausage

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap chicken tenders with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegan twist.
Replace sweet Italian sausage with spicy sausage or chorizo for more heat.
Use turkey sausage for a leaner, low-fat alternative.
For pescatarian options, add shrimp or a seafood medley to complement or replace sausage.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Exchange spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or arugula to vary the greens.
Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream or butter in the sauce for a dairy-free version.
Incorporate additional roasted vegetables such as red peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Experiment with herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil instead of rosemary to suit personal taste.

Mastering Tuscan Chicken and Sausage: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Sear chicken over high heat initially to lock in juices, then simmer in the sauce to maintain tenderness.
Flavor variations: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce complexity and balance richness.
Presentation tips: Serve in rustic bowls garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of quality olive oil for an authentic touch.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the sausage and sauce base in advance, refrigerate separately, and combine with freshly cooked chicken and pasta before serving.

How to Store Tuscan Chicken and Sausage: Best Practices

Method	Description	Duration
Refrigeration	Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture.	3-4 days
Freezing	Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.	Up to 2 months
Reheating	Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave covered to prevent drying out.	Immediate
Meal Prep Considerations	Store sauce and cooked chicken separately to maintain texture upon reheating, combining prior to serving.	Varies

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Chicken and Sausage

What ingredients are used to make Tuscan chicken and sausage?

Tuscan chicken and sausage typically includes boneless chicken pieces, Italian sausage (mild or spicy), garlic, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes. The dish often features spinach or kale, cannellini beans, and is cooked in a broth made from chicken stock and white wine. Parmesan or Pecorino cheese is commonly added for flavor. Olive oil and Italian herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano help create a savory base.

Can I use different kinds of sausage in Tuscan chicken and sausage recipes?

Yes, you can substitute the traditional Italian sausage with other types such as chorizo or spicy sausage to add a different flavor profile. Mild, sweet, or even turkey sausage work well depending on your taste preferences. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked before combining it with the chicken and other ingredients.

How do I make the sauce for Tuscan chicken and sausage without cream?

The sauce is made by simmering garlic and onions in olive oil, then adding chicken stock and white wine for a flavorful base. Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs enhance the taste. Finish the sauce by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, which adds creaminess without using heavy cream. This method reflects authentic Tuscan cooking style.

Is Tuscan chicken and sausage healthy to include in a balanced diet?

Tuscan chicken and sausage can be part of a healthy diet when prepared with lean chicken breasts, moderate amounts of sausage, and plenty of vegetables like spinach and tomatoes. Using olive oil and low-sodium chicken stock helps control fat and sodium levels. Serve it with whole grain pasta or a side salad to balance the meal.

What are some common variations or additions to Tuscan chicken and sausage that improve flavor?

Popular variations include adding cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish, while finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance flavors. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat or swap spinach for kale depending on your preference.

1 thought on “Tuscan Chicken and Sausage Skillet with Shrimp, Kale, and White Beans Recipe”

Isabella Hart

July 15, 2025 at 1:12 pm

Wow, this recipe was absolutely delightful! 🌿 My whole family enjoyed the flavors. I added a splash of white wine while simmering the sauce, and it was incredible. Thanks for sharing such a gem!

★★★★★

Tuscan Chicken and Sausage Skillet with Shrimp, Kale, and White Beans Recipe