This pasta dish is a breeze to make! Juicy chicken sausage mixed with fresh zucchini and sweet tomatoes comes together for a tasty meal in no time.
I love how colorful this dish is! It’s like a summer garden on my plate. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you just want something quick and yummy. 🍝
Cooking this pasta feels effortless. Just toss the ingredients together and let the flavors shine. It’s a hit with my family, and I can whip it up in just 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: You can use any pasta, but I love penne or rigatoni for this dish as the shapes catch the sauce nicely. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to switch to a gluten-free pasta variety.
Chicken Sausage: Italian-style chicken sausage packs a lot of flavor. If you prefer a different type, turkey sausage works as a great alternative. For a plant-based option, try using lentil or veggie sausage.
Zucchini: Two zucchinis keep the dish light. If zucchini isn’t your favorite, consider using bell peppers or spinach. They bring a different taste but still work well!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness. If they aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss that fresh flavor. Use about 14 oz of canned tomatoes instead.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor From the Garlic?
Garlic can easily burn and turn bitter if cooked too long, so it’s important to add it right before other veggies. Here’s a quick lowdown:
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mince it finely to release maximum flavor.
- Watch the heat! Cook the garlic for just about 30 seconds, until you can smell its aroma, then add the zucchini.
Getting this step right is key for a delicious dish!
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Stays Tender but Not Mushy?
To keep zucchini crisp and flavorful, cook it just until it softens slightly. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Slice the zucchini into even half-moons to ensure even cooking.
- Add it to the skillet after the garlic, letting it cook for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally but don’t overdo it.
- Stop cooking when it’s just tender—you want a little bite!
This way, it adds great texture to your pasta!
Have fun making this dish, and enjoy all those fresh flavors coming together!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage (preferably Italian style), sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. About 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Quick and easy for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta, but remember to save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s useful for our sauce!
2. Brown the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced chicken sausage. Fry it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it gets a nice brown color and is cooked through. Once done, take it out of the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In that same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and, if you like a little spice, the red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing and becomes fragrant. Just watch it, we don’t want it to burn!
4. Add the Zucchini:
Next, add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until it starts to soften, stirring occasionally. We want it tender but not mushy!
5. Incorporate the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes. Allow them to cook for another 3-4 minutes until they blister and release their sweet juices. Yum!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the browned chicken sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it around to combine with all the other ingredients. If it seems a bit dry, add some of that reserved pasta water to help create a lovely sauce.
8. Add the Parmesan:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is creamy and well mixed. The cheese will melt and make it feel hearty and warm.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for that pop of flavor and color.
Enjoy your easy, fresh, and flavorful chicken sausage pasta! It’s nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly delightful!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage is delicious, you can use turkey sausage or even Italian pork sausage for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of sausage used.
Can I Substitute the Zucchini?
Yes! If zucchini isn’t your favorite, you can replace it with other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different veggies may need more or less time to soften.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. For added protein, consider adding chickpeas or cannellini beans for a heartier vegetarian meal.
