Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, feel-good dinner that comes together in a flash, Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta is about to win your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine juicy, golden-brown sausage slices mingling with tender pasta, crisp zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a whisper of garlic—all tossed in a savory sauce you’ll want to swipe every last drop of. Finished with a flurry of fresh herbs and Parmesan, this Italian-inspired meal is practically summer in a bowl. Besides, who could resist a recipe that dazzles with color, flavor, and simplicity all at once?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true magic of this recipe is how simple every ingredient is, yet each one plays a crucial role in the final symphony of taste, texture, and color. Let’s celebrate these staples—every item builds a layer of flavor or brings just the right touch of freshness!
- Pasta (12 oz): Short shapes like penne or rotini catch all the flavorful sauce and sausages perfectly—pick your favorite for added personality!
- Chicken Sausages (1 lb): Choose your preferred style—Italian, spicy, or even roasted garlic work wonders for juicy bites throughout.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp, divided): Bringing everything together, olive oil ensures browning and silkiness in every forkful.
- Zucchini (2 medium): These green gems add tenderness and a garden-fresh quality you’ll love.
- Garlic (3 cloves): A must for that irresistible aroma and punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): Just enough heat if you crave a gentle kick.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds juiciness and rounds out the sauce, marrying all the flavors together.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup): Little bursts of sweetness and color that transform the whole dish.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): The salty, nutty finish every pasta dreams of—grate it fresh if possible.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust to taste to make every ingredient sing.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Just a sprinkle brings the right dash of brightness to the finished plate.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your favorite pasta shape and cook until perfectly al dente—think tender, but still with a nice bite. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water, then set the cooked pasta aside. This step sets the stage for a deliciously glossy sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausages
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet and bring the heat up to medium-high. Lay in the chicken sausage slices in a single layer. Give them space, and let them sizzle undisturbed until they’re beautifully golden and caramelized—about 5 to 6 minutes. These savory rounds are the backbone of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta, offering the perfect meaty counterpoint. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and keep them handy.
Step 3: Sauté Zucchini and Garlic
In the same skillet, warmth from the leftover sausage flavors is pure gold! Add another tablespoon of olive oil and tumble in your zucchini half-moons. Sauté until they’re just tender with crisp edges—about 3 to 4 minutes—then stir in the garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want that subtle heat. Everything becomes fragrant and tempting in just about a minute.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, which creates a flavorful steam bath that melds all those browned bits in the pan. Add in the cherry tomato halves and let them simmer gently for 2 minutes, just until they start to release their juices and sweeten everything up. This is where that fresh, juicy base for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta truly comes together.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Toss
Return the golden sausage slices and cooked pasta to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and splash in some of the reserved pasta water if needed—it helps the sauce cling to each and every piece. Toss well so everything’s coated and the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy finish. Taste, then season with a little more salt and pepper if your heart desires.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower the dish with fresh basil or parsley for a hit of color and aroma. This finishing touch makes the Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta irresistible—like something straight from a rustic trattoria.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta
Garnishes
Scatter plenty of fresh basil or parsley just before you bring it to the table, and add an extra snowfall of Parmesan if you can’t get enough cheese. Cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil will make your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta feel extra special with almost zero effort.
Side Dishes
This dish feels complete on its own, but if you want to turn dinner into a full spread, just add a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette or a basket of warm garlic bread. Either one will play beautifully alongside the savory-sweet flavors in the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta in a big, family-style serving bowl for casual nights, or swirl individual portions onto shallow plates for an elegant dinner vibe. For a playful twist, top each serving with a few whole roasted cherry tomatoes or even a dollop of soft ricotta for extra creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just wait to add fresh herbs until serving to keep them vibrant.
Freezing
While the sauce and sausages freeze well, zucchini can get a bit soft after thawing, but the flavor remains delicious. Divide into meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. For best results, undercook the zucchini slightly if you know you’ll be freezing a batch.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra broth or water. Warm gently, stirring until everything is heated through and the pasta is just tender again. A quick burst in the microwave also works—just add that extra moisture to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with turkey sausages, pork sausages, or even a spicy chorizo if that’s what you love. Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta is wonderfully adaptable and will work beautifully with your favorite links.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Skip the Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free substitute instead. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end adds a satisfying richness if you skip the cheese.
How can I add even more veggies?
Spring greens like spinach, kale, or even roasted red peppers are all welcome additions. Stir them in when you add the zucchini, letting the vegetables wilt just before combining everything together for your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even shells are fantastic at catching the sauce and sausage bites. Long pasta like spaghetti is less ideal, but you can use it in a pinch—just break it in half before cooking for easier mixing.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’re inspired to whip up this easy, joyful dish soon—it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta is fresh, colorful, and so satisfying, it’s sure to earn a place in your regular rotation. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring chicken sausages, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in a flavorful Parmesan cheese sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta such as penne or rotini
Chicken Sausages:
- 1 lb chicken sausages sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Others:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Sear the Sausages: Brown chicken sausage slices in olive oil; set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cook zucchini, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken broth and tomatoes; simmer.
- Combine and Garnish: Return sausages to skillet with cooked pasta. Toss with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Garnish with herbs before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- Whole wheat pasta works well for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
