Chicken Sausage Recipe with Sundried Tomatoes and Herbs

Chicken sausage with sundried tomatoes offers a delicious way to enjoy bold Mediterranean flavors any day of the week.

It works beautifully for quick weeknight dinners when time is tight but taste matters.

The savory profile appeals to anyone who loves robust, satisfying meals that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The combination feels both comforting and exciting, making it ideal for warm summer evenings or cozy autumn nights.

You won't believe how much flavor comes through in every bite, proving that simple cooking can be absolutely sensational.

Give it a spot on your weekly menu and watch it become a household favorite.

What Makes Chicken Sausage With Grits So Enjoyable

• Easy Weeknight Meal: This hearty dish comes together quickly, making dinner stress-free when your schedule feels packed and complicated.
• Flavor Explosion: Sundried tomatoes and marinara create a rich, tangy sauce that transforms simple chicken sausage into something special for your dinner table.
• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy cheese grits paired with zesty sausage deliver a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chasing away any day’s exhaustion.
• One-Pan Wonder: The simple cooking method means minimal cleanup, so you can spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious meal.

Chicken Sausage Grit Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Sausage (12 oz package): The star of the dish, packed with flavor and perfect for a hearty meal.
• Marinara Sauce (1/2 cup total): Adds rich tomato flavor and helps create a delicious sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes (4.5 oz can): Brings extra moisture and tangy tomato taste to the sausage.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1 tbsp): Concentrated tomato goodness that adds depth to the dish.

• Onion (1 small): Provides sweetness and aromatic base for the sausage.
• Green Pepper (1 small): Adds crunch and fresh vegetable flavor to the mix.

• Grits (1 1/3 cup): The creamy foundation of the dish, perfect for soaking up sausage flavors.
• Water (2 cups): Helps cook the grits to a smooth consistency.
• Milk (2 cups): Creates a rich and creamy texture for your grits.

• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and smooth texture to the grits.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (4 ounces): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese (4 ounces): Provides melty, stretchy goodness to the grits.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds a simple but essential kick of seasoning.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Chicken Sausage Grits

• Large Skillet: Your primary cooking vessel for searing sausages and creating the rich tomato sauce. Choose a heavy-bottomed pan that distributes heat evenly.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and scraping the bottom of the skillet, ensuring nothing sticks or burns during cooking.
• Pot (4-quart): Essential for preparing creamy, smooth grits with plenty of room for stirring.
• Whisk: Crucial for breaking up potential lumps and creating a silky texture in your grits.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing onions, peppers, and prepping ingredients before cooking.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Your go-to tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning water, milk, and other ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Great for freshly grating cheese if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Serving Bowls: Ideal for plating your grits and topping with saucy sausage mixture.

How to Cook Chicken Sausage with Grits

Things Worth Knowing For Chicken Sausage With Sundried Tomatoes And Grits

• Get a golden-brown crust on your chicken sausages by using medium heat and turning them carefully to ensure even browning.
• Caramelize your onions and peppers slowly to develop deep, sweet flavors that complement the sausage perfectly.
• Let the tomato mixture cook low and slow for 25 minutes to blend all the rich flavors and ensure your sausages are fully cooked through.
• Whisk your grits vigorously when adding them to boiling liquid to prevent those pesky lumps from forming.
• Stir in your favorite cheeses after lowering the heat to create creamy, smooth grits that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Creative Variations for Chicken Sausage with Grits

• Spicy Kick Variation: Swap chicken sausage for hot Italian pork sausage and add red pepper flakes to boost your heat level, giving your dish a fiery flavor profile that’ll warm your taste buds.
• Vegetarian Grits Base: Replace chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted portobello mushrooms, ensuring you keep the same cooking techniques and seasonings for a hearty alternative.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of dairy milk and butter for your grits, and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute to create a creamy texture that suits lactose-sensitive diners.
• Mediterranean Swap: Trade marinara sauce for olive oil and herbs like oregano and basil, and add feta cheese to your grits for a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your plate.

What Goes Well With Chicken Sausage And Grits

• Perfect Portion Sizing: Serve two hearty sausages per person with a generous scoop of creamy grits for a filling meal that satisfies hunger.
• Wine Companion: Grab a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Side Boost: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and balance the warm, comforting sausage and grits.
• Garnish Finesse: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a fresh herb note and make your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Storage Instructions For Chicken Sausage with Sundried Tomatoes And Grits

• Store leftover sausage and tomato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually get better overnight.
• Keep grits separate from the sausage when storing to prevent them from getting soggy. They’ll stay fresher in their own sealed container.
• Reheat the sausage mixture gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of marinara to keep it moist and prevent burning.
• Warm cold grits by stirring in a little extra milk or water while reheating to restore their creamy texture.

Chicken Sausage with Sundried Tomatoes and Grits Helpful FAQs

Chicken Sausage with Sundried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 38-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken Sausage with Sundried Tomatoes and Grits brings Southern comfort right to your dinner table, melding spicy sausage with creamy grits for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace from an old friend.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 12 oz package chicken sausage
• 4 ounces shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 4.5 oz can diced tomatoes with oregano

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 small green pepper chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet to medium temperature. Slice 12 oz chicken sausage into diagonal pieces and sear until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Add 1 chopped small onion and 1 chopped green pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. Pour 1 4.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, ¼ cup marinara sauce, and 1 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer the sausage mixture for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
5. In a separate large saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 2 cups milk, and 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
6. Gradually whisk 1 ⅓ cups quick grits into the boiling liquid, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring grits for 5-6 minutes until they thicken and become creamy.
8. Stir 4 ounces shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano and 4 ounces shredded mozzarella into the grits. Season with 1 tsp pepper.
9. Transfer creamy grits to serving plates and top with the sausage mixture. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use chicken sausage with lower fat content for a healthier version that keeps the dish lean and flavorful.
• Stir grits constantly during the first few minutes of cooking to prevent stubborn lumps from forming and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Consider using smoked gouda or sharp cheddar instead of standard cheeses to add more depth to your grits and complement the sausage’s robust flavor.
• If watching sodium intake, select low-sodium marinara sauce and rinse canned tomatoes before adding to control salt levels in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 33-35 minutes
• Category: Sautéed
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 466 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 689 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg