Description
This hearty chicken sausage pasta with zucchini and tomatoes is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken sausages (sliced)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken Sausages
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add zucchini slices and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken sausages to the skillet.
- Pour in chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta, tossing everything together.
- If the sauce needs more moisture, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
5. Final Touches
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy chicken sausages and extra red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Keywords: chicken sausage pasta, zucchini pasta, easy weeknight dinner, healthy pasta recipe, quick pasta dish