We love how Trader Joe’s chicken sausage turns ordinary meals into memorable feasts. It’s convenient and full of flavor. Varieties range from sweet apple to spicy jalapeño so there’s something for every taste. We enjoy discovering new ways to cook these tasty links and we’re excited to share our favorites.
Whether we’re preparing a hearty breakfast or a quick lunch these sausages add the perfect protein punch. We like to experiment with skillet scrambles hearty soups and simple pasta tosses that let the sausage shine. It’s time to explore how these juicy links can elevate our everyday meals.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Recipes
We love how Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage fits beautifully into quick meals and hearty favorites. Below are a few recipe ideas that showcase these tasty links for breakfast lunch or dinner.
Skillet Sausage Scramble
We start by gathering everything we need for an energizing morning dish.
Ingredients
- 2 links Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage sliced
- 6 eggs beaten
- 1 cup spinach leaves washed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Steps
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add sliced sausage. Sauté until lightly browned on all sides.
- Stir in spinach leaves. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour beaten eggs over the sausage and spinach. Stir gently.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking until eggs are set.
One-Pan Sausage Pasta
We prepare a warm pasta dish with flavorful chunks of chicken sausage for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 links Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage sliced
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Steps
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in olive oil.
- Add sliced sausage. Cook until it browns lightly.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add dried basil and dried oregano.
- Add uncooked penne pasta. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Test pasta for tenderness. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Suggested Cooking Times
We often vary our cooking methods. The chart below shows a quick reference for Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage cooking times.
| Cooking Method | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Skillet (stovetop) | 5 to 7 | Medium heat |
| Oven | 15 to 18 | 375°F |
Ingredients
Skillet Sausage Scramble
- 2 links Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage (sliced)
- 4 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 links Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage (sliced)
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few key kitchen items to handle our Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage recipes with ease:
- Cutting Board
We use a sturdy cutting board for slicing sausages and chopping vegetables. We find that a large, secure board prevents slipping while we work.
- Chef’s Knife
A sharp chef’s knife helps us slice the chicken sausage and other ingredients quickly. We keep ours freshly honed for smooth cuts.
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
We keep standard measuring cups and spoons on hand to ensure exact quantities for ingredients like olive oil, broth, and seasonings.
- Large Nonstick Skillet
A heavy-bottomed skillet distributes heat effectively and prevents food from sticking. We rely on this for sautéing our sausage in the Skillet Sausage Scramble.
- Wooden Spoon Or Spatula
A sturdy wooden spoon or heatproof spatula helps us stir and flip ingredients without scratching the skillet’s surface.
- Medium Pot With Lid
We recommend a pot with a sturdy lid for our One-Pan Sausage Pasta, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly and the broth reduces to a flavorful sauce.
Directions
Let’s gather our tools and plan our steps to cook Trader Joe’s chicken sausage recipes with confidence. We organize our ingredients so every step is easy and efficient.
Prep
- Slice our Trader Joe’s chicken sausage into thin rounds.
- Chop onions, peppers, and spinach for quick sautéing.
- Measure salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings like chili flakes or paprika.
- Set out a large nonstick skillet, a pot with a lid, and a sturdy spoon or spatula.
Cook
- Warm a teaspoon of olive oil in our skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place sausage slices in a single layer and cook until browned.
- Add onions and peppers for extra flavor. Stir occasionally.
- Use the table below for approximate cooking times:
| Method | Cooking Time | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Skillet (Stove-top) | 4 to 5 minutes/side | Medium-high heat |
| Oven | 15 to 20 minutes | 375°F |
| Grill | 8 to 10 minutes | Medium heat |
Assemble
- For a breakfast scramble, add whisked eggs and spinach. Stir thoroughly.
- For a pasta dish, stir penne into the sauce of crushed tomatoes and sausage. Cover the pot and simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as desired.
- Top with fresh herbs for color and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy customizing Trader Joe’s chicken sausage in many ways. Here are a few ideas that transform these sausages into quick and satisfying meals:
- Add to a Crisp Salad
Slice the sausages and place them on a bed of hearty greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette for a balanced lunch.
- Top a Pizza
Layer sausage rounds over tomato sauce, mozzarella, and bell peppers. Bake until the cheese bubbles for a zesty dinner.
- Tuck into Wraps
Fill warm tortillas with sliced sausage, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and peppers. Roll them tightly for a portable meal.
- Layer in a Grain Bowl
Scoop cooked quinoa or brown rice into a bowl. Add sliced sausage, roasted vegetables, and cheese or avocado slices for a nourishing option.
- Serve with Grilled Veggies
Grill the sausages with onions, peppers, and zucchini. Enjoy them alongside tangy mustard or fresh pesto.
| Meal | Number of Sausages (per serving) | Recommended Sides |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 1 | Scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or toasted bread |
| Lunch | 2 | Mixed salad, roasted vegetables, or light soup |
| Dinner | 2 or 3 | Pasta, rice, or grilled zucchini and onions |
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
We like to keep Trader Joe’s chicken sausage prepped so we can assemble quick meals during busy days. These tips help us store cooked or uncooked sausage for later use and maintain its fresh flavor and juicy texture:
- Prep in Advance
- Slice or dice Trader Joe’s chicken sausage ahead of time.
- Store raw sausage separately from other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
- Refrigerator Storage
- Place cooked sausage in an airtight container.
- Keep raw sausage sealed in its original packaging or another tight container.
- Store both raw and cooked sausage on a lower shelf to prevent any drip onto other foods.
- Freezer Option
- Wrap cooked or uncooked sausage in plastic wrap or foil.
- Use a freezer-safe bag to lock out air.
- Thaw the sausage in the refrigerator overnight before using.
| Storage Method | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
- Reheating Suggestions
- Warm leftover sausage in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil.
- Heat gently in the microwave on medium power in 20-second intervals.
- Check the internal temperature of cooked sausage to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
We love how Trader Joes chicken sausage elevates our cooking and keeps us inspired Whether we’re planning a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend brunch these flavorful links always come through They require minimal effort to prepare yet they bring so much to our plate Their convenience and taste make them a reliable choice for any meal and we can’t wait to see what creative recipes we’ll discover next
Frequently Asked Questions
What flavors of Trader Joe’s chicken sausage are available?
Trader Joe’s offers chicken sausage in various flavors, such as sweet apple, spicy jalapeño, and savory herb blends. Each variety suits different taste preferences, from mild to bold. These sausages are precooked and packed with spices, making them a convenient protein choice for quick lunches, hearty breakfasts, or simple weeknight dinners. Their versatility allows you to explore different recipes, ensuring a flavorful experience every time.
How do I cook Trader Joe’s chicken sausage?
You can prepare them in a skillet, oven, or on the grill. For skillet cooking, slice the sausage and brown it in olive oil for about 5–7 minutes. In the oven, bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through. On the grill, cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and the best flavor.
Can I use Trader Joe’s chicken sausage in different dishes?
Absolutely! Trader Joe’s chicken sausage is perfect in breakfast scrambles, soups, salads, and pasta. Slice or dice it and add to your favorite dish for a protein-packed meal. Whether you want a quick stir-fry or a comforting one-pan pasta, this versatile sausage adapts easily. It pairs well with vegetables, grains, or sauces, making mealtime preparation enjoyable and delicious.
What are some easy recipe ideas?
Try a Skillet Sausage Scramble by combining sliced sausage, eggs, spinach, and your favorite seasonings for a quick breakfast. For dinner, cook up a One-Pan Sausage Pasta with penne, crushed tomatoes, and cheese. Both recipes require minimal prep work and deliver big flavor. Explore more options by adding the sausage to pizzas, wraps, grain bowls, and soups for effortless meals.
How should I store Trader Joe’s chicken sausage?
Keep raw sausage sealed in its original packaging or in an airtight container. If you’ve opened the package, wrap the sausage well or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Store cooked sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze raw or cooked sausage for up to two months. Reheat thoroughly to maintain its taste and texture.
What kitchen tools are useful for cooking these sausages?
A sharp chef’s knife, sturdy cutting board, and wooden spoon or spatula help you slice and stir the sausage easily. A large nonstick skillet or medium pot with a lid is ideal for sautéing or simmering. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you follow recipes accurately. Having these tools within reach speeds up prep work and makes cooking more efficient.
Can I make recipes ahead of time using Trader Joe’s chicken sausage?
Yes. Slice or dice the sausage in advance and store it in the fridge separately from vegetables to avoid cross-contamination. You can also fully cook and refrigerate sausage for quick meal prep during busy weeks. Check that everything is efficiently sealed or wrapped to keep ingredients fresh. When ready to eat, simply reheat and combine the sausage with pasta, eggs, or other ingredients to assemble a speedy meal.