If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both vibrant and satisfying, Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta absolutely delivers! This dish is a true celebration of fresh flavors—tender chicken sausages, juicy zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with a sprinkle of Parmesan and bright basil. It’s a meal that feels as cozy as a Sunday night but is quick enough for the busiest weeknights. Each bite brings you a medley of tastes, textures, and colors that will have everyone heading back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta comes from its easy-to-find ingredients that each play a special role. Every component is chosen for the way it adds flavor, texture, or brilliant color to the final bowl—let’s check them out!
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): Use your favorite shape; the ridges help soak up all the delicious sauce and bits.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to give everything a silky, flavorful coating as it cooks.
- Chicken sausages (1 pound, sliced): The superstar—pre-cooked sausages quickly brown for hearty, savory bites.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds irresistible aromatic depth to every forkful.
- Zucchini (1 medium, sliced into half-moons): This veggie brings freshness and lovely green color to the dish.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): They burst and create a naturally sweet, juicy “sauce.”
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts Italian-inspired flavor and warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Amps up the heat for those who like a little kick.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): The essentials for bringing everything into beautiful harmony.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a savory, creamy finish to the pasta.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lifts the dish with herbaceous, fresh flavor and a pop of green.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add in your pasta. Aim for al dente, following the package instructions—this will help it hold its shape and texture when tossed with the sausages and veggies. Once cooked, drain it and set aside, giving it a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking if you like.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausages
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced chicken sausages and let them sizzle until they’re deliciously browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step gives tons of flavor, and those golden edges make the Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta taste so hearty!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables
Once the sausages are browned, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant—don’t let it get too dark! Then add in your zucchini, cherry tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and let everything cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the zucchini turns tender and the tomatoes begin to burst, creating a gorgeous, glossy sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Add Finishing Touches
Now, slide your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the sausage and veggies. Toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated and mixed—this is where all the flavors marry into one fantastic bite. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then give it one last gentle stir before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta
Garnishes
A generous shower of extra Parmesan and a few more fresh basil leaves will make your plate of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta totally irresistible. For a bright finish, try a little cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal on its own, but it really shines paired with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty bread for scooping up all those juicy tomatoes. If you want to keep it summery, serve it with grilled summer veggies or a quick tomato-cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring this recipe to a potluck in a colorful serving bowl, or pile it high in a large platter and top with extra fresh basil for a family-style feast. For date night or dinner parties, plate it individually, twirled high, and finish with a Parmesan crisp or a lemon wedge for a fancy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta stays super flavorful in the fridge. Just pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch (or midnight snack) even better!
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, keep in mind that zucchini and tomatoes may soften further when thawed. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; just expect a slightly different texture when reheated, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Reheating
To gently reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to a skillet and warm the pasta over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. The microwave works, too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so everything heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! Turkey sausage or even a spicy Italian chicken sausage will both work beautifully in this recipe. Just choose a sausage you love, and feel free to mix up the flavor profile based on what’s available at your store.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is super easy to make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta gluten-free—just use your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini. Follow the same cooking instructions and enjoy a dish that everyone at the table can dig into.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
The trick is to drain the pasta promptly and, if you aren’t mixing it into the skillet immediately, toss it with a splash of olive oil. This keeps those beautiful pasta shapes loose and ready to soak up the flavors.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course! This recipe is super flexible. Spinach, bell peppers, or even summer squash are all tasty additions. Just toss them in with the zucchini and tomatoes to cook them down, and enjoy an even more colorful bowl.
What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan has a creamier texture and more robust flavor than pre-shredded, so if you have the time, grate it yourself right before serving. But don’t let that stop you—whatever Parmesan you have on hand will add that signature richness!
Final Thoughts
Cooking up Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is such a wonderful way to bring bold, fresh, and comforting flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner or family gathering, and I promise this will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Enjoy every bite!
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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe combines savory chicken sausages with tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flavorful pasta, all tossed in a delicious Parmesan and basil-infused sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Chicken Sausages:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausages (sliced)
Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Sausages and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned. Add garlic, then zucchini, cherry tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
- You can use spicy chicken sausage for added heat or swap in turkey sausage.
- This recipe is also great with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
