Description
This wholesome and flavorful Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta combines tender chicken sausage with fresh vegetables and al dente pasta, creating a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights. The dish is enhanced with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 pound fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until it is browned and heated through.
- Sauté Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes slightly tender but still retains some crunch.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together to combine and evenly coat the pasta and vegetables with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use spicy chicken sausage for a bolder flavor.
- Swap zucchini for yellow squash to vary the vegetable profile.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well.
- For a lighter version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta.
