We’ve always loved how Chicken Sausage With Spinach And Feta Recipes blend hearty flavors into a simple, satisfying meal. This dish draws from Mediterranean influences, pairing tender chicken sausage with vibrant spinach and creamy feta for a burst of taste that’s both comforting and fresh.
It’s perfect for busy nights when we crave something nutritious without the fuss. We’ll guide you through creating this easy recipe that’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a go-to favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
To bring our flavorful Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta recipe to life, we start by assembling these essential ingredients in the order we’ll use them. This selection highlights the Mediterranean-inspired freshness and nutritional balance that make this dish a go-to for quick, healthy meals.
- Chicken Sausage: 4 links (about 1 pound), sliced into ½-inch rounds for even browning and quick cooking.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin variety, to sauté and infuse the dish with rich, fruity notes.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely diced, as the foundational aromatic to build layers of flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for adding a pungent, savory depth that elevates the overall taste.
- Spinach: 4 cups fresh, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped, providing a vibrant, nutrient-packed green element.
- Feta Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled into small pieces, to deliver a tangy, creamy finish that ties everything together.
- Seasonings: ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adjusted to taste, for simple yet effective enhancement.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To prepare our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta recipe efficiently, we recommend gathering these essential kitchen tools. These items help streamline the cooking process, ensuring everything from chopping to sautéing goes smoothly for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip board for safely chopping onions, garlic, and spinach. We suggest using a large one to keep ingredients organized and reduce mess.
- Chef’s Knife: Sharp and versatile for dicing vegetables and slicing chicken sausage. Opt for a 8-10 inch blade to make prep work faster and more precise.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Ideal for browning the sausage and wilting spinach over medium heat. A non-stick or cast-iron option works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and flipping sausage to prevent sticking. We prefer a heat-resistant silicone spatula for its flexibility and durability.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring olive oil, seasonings, and other ingredients. This ensures the flavors in our recipe balance perfectly every time.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining spinach, feta, and any other elements before adding to the pan. Look for one that’s microwave-safe if you need to wilt spinach quickly.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps, building on the fresh ingredients we’ve outlined.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our flavorful Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta dish, ensuring a nutritious and satisfying meal in no time.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to streamline the process and enhance the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired recipe.
- Chop the onion and garlic: Dice 1 medium onion into fine pieces and mince 3 cloves of garlic to release their aromatic essence, which will form the base of our savory dish.
- Prepare the spinach: Rinse 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves under cold water and roughly chop them to ensure they wilt evenly and blend seamlessly with the other elements.
- Measure the feta: Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese into a small bowl, allowing its tangy, creamy texture to stand ready for a burst of contrast against the hearty sausage.
- Slice the chicken sausage: Cut 1 pound of chicken sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring even cooking and a satisfying bite in every piece.
This prep sets the stage for a quick assembly, letting us focus on the sizzling excitement ahead.
Cooking the Sausage
With our ingredients prepped, we now heat up the skillet to cook the chicken sausage, infusing it with golden crispiness and rich aromas that make this dish irresistible.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the sliced chicken sausage rounds and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a spatula until they turn a golden brown and release a mouthwatering, savory scent that fills the kitchen.
- Flip the sausage pieces halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides, allowing the natural juices to caramelize and create a flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the fresh veggies.
- Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside in a mixing bowl, keeping the rendered fats in the pan to build layers of taste for the next steps.
This step locks in the sausage’s tender texture and hearty flavor, making our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta a standout weeknight favorite.
Adding Spinach and Feta
Now we incorporate the spinach and feta to add a fresh, wilted greenery and creamy tang, transforming the dish into a balanced, veggie-packed delight.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they soften and emit a fragrant, garlic-infused aroma that elevates the overall profile.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts down into a vibrant green mass, releasing its earthy moisture to mingle with the sausage flavors and create a tender, nutrient-rich addition.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta and cooked sausage, stirring everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese softens slightly and melts into the mix, adding a creamy contrast that makes each bite irresistibly fresh and satisfying.
This final combination ensures our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, ready to serve immediately.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We often prepare components in advance to save time while preserving the dish’s fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors of savory sausage, wilted spinach, and tangy feta. This approach ensures you can enjoy a nutritious, protein-packed meal without last-minute rush.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
To streamline your cooking process, we recommend prepping the key elements the day before:
- Dice the onion and garlic: Chop these aromatics and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their pungent flavors intact for up to 24 hours.
- Rinse and chop the spinach: Wash and roughly chop the spinach leaves, then pat them dry. Place in a sealed bag or container; they’ll stay fresh for 1–2 days, ready to wilt perfectly when needed.
- Crumble the feta cheese: Gently crumble the feta and keep it in a small, covered dish in the fridge. Its creamy texture and salty notes will hold up well for up to 3 days.
- Slice the chicken sausage: Cut the sausage into even pieces and store in a zip-top bag. This prevents browning and maintains the sausage’s juicy, golden-brown potential.
Cooking Components in Advance
For even more convenience, we suggest partially cooking certain parts:
- Cook the sausage first: In a large skillet, brown the sliced chicken sausage over medium heat until it’s golden and flavorful. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in the same skillet and cook the diced onion and garlic until softened and aromatic. Cool and store in a separate container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Assemble the mixture: Once cooled, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and garlic, and chopped spinach in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Avoid adding the feta at this stage to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s vibrant textures and flavors. Here’s how we handle it:
- Refrigeration guidelines: Store any prepped or partially cooked components in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. This helps retain the fresh, veggie-packed essence of the recipe.
- Freezing options: If you’re planning further ahead, freeze the cooked sausage in a freezer-safe bag. It locks in the hearty, comforting qualities for up to 1 month.
For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to warm everything through, then fold in the feta just before serving. This ensures the final dish delivers that harmonious blend of textures we love.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Preserves freshness and flavors for quick meals |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Extends shelf life for meal prep without losing nutritional value |
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta recipe and how it adds a fresh twist to everyday meals. It’s a simple way to boost our nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy making it a go-to option in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta?
This recipe is a simple, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese. It’s packed with protein and veggies for a nutritious, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining bold flavors and easy prep, it brings a fresh twist to everyday dinners.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need chicken sausage, olive oil, onion, garlic, spinach, feta cheese, and basic seasonings like salt and pepper. These fresh, wholesome ingredients create a balanced, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and rich in nutrients, making it ideal for healthy eating.
What kitchen tools are required?
Essential tools include a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, large skillet, and measuring cups. These items help streamline prep and cooking, ensuring efficient chopping, sautéing, and mixing for a hassle-free experience in the kitchen.
How do I prepare Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta?
Start by prepping ingredients: dice onion and garlic, chop spinach, crumble feta, and slice sausage. Cook sausage until golden, then sauté onion and garlic, add spinach to wilt, and mix in feta. Combine everything for a harmonious dish ready in about 20-30 minutes—simple and delicious!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like diced onion, garlic, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and sliced sausage in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also partially cook the sausage and veggies ahead to save time, making it easy for busy schedules without losing freshness.
How should I store and reheat the dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, preserving the dish’s textures and flavors for a quick, tasty meal.