Chicken sausage with spinach and feta is a flavorful combo that brings together savory, fresh, and tangy notes in one satisfying dish. This recipe blends lean protein with nutrient-packed greens and creamy feta for a balanced meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
To create our delicious Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta, we gather fresh and flavorful ingredients that build the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Below are the key components each contributing their unique flavor and texture.
Chicken Sausage
- 1 pound chicken sausage (preferably fresh, either raw or pre-cooked)
- Italian or mild-flavored chicken sausage works best for complementary seasoning
- If raw, slice into ½-inch rounds for even cooking and browning
Fresh Spinach
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (washed and thoroughly drained)
- Fresh spinach offers a vibrant color and tender texture that balances the heartiness of the sausage
- Alternatively, use frozen chopped spinach (about 10 ounces), thawed and squeezed dry
Feta Cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably Greek-style, full-fat)
- The cheese should be crumbly and tangy to add creamy bursts throughout the dish
- For stronger flavor, choose aged feta with a robust bite
Additional Ingredients and Seasonings
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing sausage and spinach |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Adds aromatic depth |
| Onion | ½ medium, diced | Builds a savory base |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for a subtle heat |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | To season and enhance flavors |
| Salt | To taste | Balances and highlights flavors |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon | Adds bright acidity |
We rely on these thoughtfully selected ingredients to bring out the savory, fresh, and tangy qualities that make our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta recipe truly unforgettable.
Equipment Needed
To prepare Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta perfectly, having the right equipment ensures smooth cooking and optimal results. Here’s what we recommend using:
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
Choose a pan with a heavy bottom and enough surface area to cook the chicken sausage evenly and sauté the spinach without overcrowding.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
For slicing the chicken sausage and finely chopping the garlic and onions, a sharp knife gives precision and safety.
- Cutting Board
A sturdy cutting board will help us prep ingredients efficiently and hygienically.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Accurate measurement of olive oil, spices, and feta cheese enhances the balance of flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Perfect for stirring without scratching the skillet’s surface and effortlessly combining the ingredients.
- Colander or Salad Spinner
To rinse and dry the fresh spinach thoroughly before cooking — removing excess water avoids sogginess.
- Citrus Juicer (Optional)
To extract fresh lemon juice cleanly and avoid seeds, this tool comes in handy.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Skillet | Cook sausage and sauté spinach | Non-stick or stainless steel preferred |
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | Slice sausage, chop garlic and onions | Ensures clean cuts |
| Cutting Board | Ingredient preparation | Separate boards for meat and veggies recommended |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Measure liquids, spices, and cheese | Precision improves flavor balance |
| Wooden Spoon/Spatula | Stir ingredients gently | Protect skillet surface |
| Colander/Salad Spinner | Wash and dry spinach | Essential for crisp texture |
| Citrus Juicer (Optional) | Extract lemon juice | Removes seeds easily |
By assembling these tools before we start cooking, we streamline the process and ensure that each step of our savory and tangy chicken sausage with spinach and feta recipe unfolds efficiently and with confidence.
Prep Work
Before we dive into cooking, prepping our ingredients properly ensures a smooth process and elevates the flavors of our chicken sausage with spinach and feta dish. Let’s get each component ready step-by-step.
Preparing the Chicken Sausage
- Remove the chicken sausage from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- If links are long, cut them into 1-inch thick slices for faster cooking and better bite-sized pieces.
- For crumbling texture, you can also remove the casing and break up the sausage meat into small chunks using your hands or a spatula.
- Tip: Use mild or Italian-flavored chicken sausage for an optimal balance with spinach and feta.
Washing and Chopping Spinach
- Place the fresh baby spinach in a colander or salad spinner.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove all dirt and grit.
- Spin dry completely to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish watery.
- Roughly chop the spinach if the leaves are large, but smaller baby leaves can remain whole.
- Keep in mind: spinach will significantly reduce in volume once cooked.
Crumbling the Feta Cheese
- Use a fork to gently crumble the ½ cup of feta cheese into small pieces.
- Feta should be broken just enough to distribute evenly but not pulverized.
- Place crumbled feta in a bowl for easy sprinkling during the final recipe steps.
| Ingredient | Prep Detail | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Sausage | Sliced 1-inch or crumbled | 1 pound |
| Baby Spinach | Washed, dried, roughly chopped | 4 cups |
| Feta Cheese | Crumbled | ½ cup |
With these prep steps done, we’re perfectly set to start cooking our savory chicken sausage with spinach and feta meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s bring together the vibrant flavors of chicken sausage with spinach and feta in a few simple, flavorful steps. Follow along carefully to ensure every bite bursts with savory, fresh, and tangy goodness.
Cooking the Chicken Sausage
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the 1 pound of sliced or crumbled chicken sausage to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook the sausage for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. We want it to be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Season with ½ teaspoon of black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of salt, adjusting to taste.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave any rendered fat in the pan for added flavor.
Sautéing the Spinach
- In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach gradually, stirring constantly to let the leaves wilt evenly.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until spinach is tender and bright green.
- Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, and season with a pinch of salt.
- Remove from heat and squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Combining Spinach, Sausage, and Feta
- Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet with the sautéed spinach.
- Gently fold in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese until evenly distributed and slightly softened but not melted.
- Cook the combined mixture over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes just to warm through and meld the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
| Step | Time | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken sausage cooking | 5–7 minutes | Golden brown, cooked through |
| Garlic sautéing | 30 sec–1 min | Fragrant without browning |
| Spinach sautéing | 3–4 minutes | Tender and bright green |
| Final combine heating | 1–2 minutes | Warm through, flavors meld |
Our chicken sausage with spinach and feta is now ready to serve — a perfect balance of lean protein, nutrient-rich greens, and creamy tangy notes.
Assembly and Serving Suggestions
To assemble our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta, follow these precise steps to enhance both presentation and flavor:
- Combine the cooked chicken sausage and sautéed spinach evenly in the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This allows the feta’s creamy tang to melt slightly into the warm ingredients, creating a harmonious blend.
- Season the mixture one last time with freshly cracked black pepper and a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice. The citrus juice will brighten the flavors, complementing the savory sausage and tangy feta.
- Transfer the dish onto a warm serving platter or individual plates. For an appealing contrast, garnish with a few reserved whole baby spinach leaves and extra crumbles of feta.
Serving Suggestions
Our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta is versatile and can be served in various appetizing ways. Here is a table summarizing top serving ideas:
| Serving Style | Description | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Over Rice or Quinoa | Serve warm sausage and spinach mixture on a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa. | Lemon wedges, steamed veggies |
| In Whole Wheat Wrap | Spoon the filling into warm wraps with a smear of tzatziki or hummus for extra creaminess. | Greek salad, pickled veggies |
| Stuffed in Bell Peppers | Fill halved and roasted bell peppers with the mixture then bake briefly to meld flavors. | Side of roasted potatoes |
| With Crusty Bread | Accompany with toasted rustic bread to scoop up every flavorful bite. | Olive tapenade, fresh olives |
| As a Breakfast Hash | Serve with fried or poached eggs atop for a hearty breakfast or brunch option. | Fresh tomato slices, avocado |
“The key to an unforgettable experience is in the precise assembly and thoughtful serving choices that enhance the layers of flavor in our Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Feta.”
We recommend serving this dish hot and enjoying it immediately for the best taste and texture. For meal prep, cool completely before refrigerating and reheat gently to preserve the feta’s creaminess and the vibrant spinach.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To enjoy our chicken sausage with spinach and feta recipe anytime, mastering make-ahead and storage techniques is essential for preserving flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Cook in advance: Prepare the entire dish up to the point of combining the feta cheese. Add feta just before serving for the best creamy texture.
- Cool thoroughly: Allow the cooked sausage and spinach mixture to cool completely at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent condensation inside storage containers.
- Portion control: Divide the dish into individual airtight containers to simplify meal prep and portion management throughout the week.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store the prepared dish in the refrigerator promptly after cooling. Maintain a temperature at or below 40°F (4°C) to keep the ingredients fresh and safe.
| Storage Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked sausage mixture | 3 to 4 days | Add feta just before reheating to preserve freshness |
| Crumbled feta cheese | 5 to 7 days | Store separately in an airtight container |
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freeze the chicken sausage with spinach mixture without feta to avoid texture degradation.
- Packaging: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air before sealing.
- Labeling: Mark each container with the date of freezing for easy tracking.
- Thawing: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
| Freezing Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Maximum storage time | Up to 2 months |
| Thawing method | Refrigerator overnight |
| Reheating tip | Use low heat to maintain spinach’s vibrancy and feta’s creaminess |
Reheating Tips
- Gentle reheating: Warm the dish over low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly without drying out the spinach or sausage.
- Add feta late: Incorporate crumbled feta during the last minute of reheating or just before serving to retain its tangy creaminess.
- Enhance flavor: Sprinkle a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after reheating to brighten the taste.
Conclusion
This chicken sausage with spinach and feta recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients that fits seamlessly into our busy lives. It’s versatile enough to serve as a quick dinner or a convenient meal prep option, making healthy eating both simple and satisfying.
With just a few quality ingredients and straightforward steps, we can enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether served over grains, wrapped in a pita, or paired with eggs, it’s a meal that keeps well and tastes great every time.
By keeping these tips in mind, we can confidently bring this flavorful dish to our table again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for chicken sausage with spinach and feta?
The main ingredients are 1 pound of chicken sausage, 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Additional ingredients include olive oil, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
Can I use any type of chicken sausage for this recipe?
Yes, but Italian or mild-flavored chicken sausage is recommended as it complements the flavors of spinach and feta best.
What equipment do I need to prepare this dish?
You will need a large skillet, a sharp chef’s knife, a sturdy cutting board, measuring spoons and cups, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, and a colander or salad spinner. A citrus juicer is optional.
How should I prepare the chicken sausage and spinach before cooking?
Remove sausage from packaging, pat dry, and slice or crumble it. Wash and dry spinach thoroughly, then roughly chop if leaves are large. Crumble the feta using a fork for even distribution.
What is the cooking process for this recipe?
Cook sausage in olive oil until golden brown. Sauté garlic, add spinach and cook until tender. Combine cooked sausage and spinach, then fold in crumbled feta. Season with black pepper and lemon juice.
How can I serve chicken sausage with spinach and feta?
Serve it over rice, quinoa, in whole wheat wraps, stuffed in bell peppers, with crusty bread, or as a breakfast hash topped with eggs. Serving hot enhances taste and texture.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prepping. Cool the cooked mixture before storing it in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage (without feta).
How should I store leftovers to keep them fresh?
Store cooked sausage and spinach in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep crumbled feta separate and refrigerated for 5-7 days. Freeze the sausage mixture without feta for longer storage.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently over low heat to preserve the texture. Add crumbled feta just before serving to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Can I customize the recipe with other ingredients?
Yes, you can add extra spices, vegetables, or use different types of cheese, but the original combination of chicken sausage, spinach, and feta creates a balanced savory, fresh, and tangy flavor.