This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken sausage with fresh zucchini and ripe tomatoes. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor!
I love how colorful this meal is. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies onto the plate. I often make extra so I can savor leftovers for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like to use penne because it holds the sauce well, but you can choose any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or spaghetti. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Chicken Sausage: Fresh chicken sausage gives great flavor. If you need a substitute, turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage can be used, making it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a nice crunch. If you’re out of zucchini, consider using bell peppers or spinach as an alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness to the dish. If you can’t find them, chopped regular tomatoes can work. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a cheesy richness. If you’re dairy-free, a nutritional yeast can give a similar flavor without the cheese.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Chicken Sausage?
Cooking chicken sausage to get a nice golden color can elevate your dish. Here’s how to do it well:
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Add olive oil and let it heat up before adding the sausage.
- Let the sausage sit without stirring for a couple of minutes to brown one side before flipping.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink inside. A good browning adds flavor!
Taking these steps will ensure that your sausage is flavorful and adds depth to your pasta dish!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage links, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced into half-moons or small chunks
- 1 1/2 cups 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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish comes together in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend a little time boiling the pasta and sautéing the ingredients, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be slightly firm when bitten. After cooking, drain the pasta but make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing! Next, add the diced zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until it’s just tender.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spice:
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat!). Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and mix everything together nicely. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your liking.
6. Season and Serve:
Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Once seasoned, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a lovely touch.
Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes! It’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table! 🍝
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey sausage or vegan sausage work well. For a lighter option, you could also use diced chicken breast cooked in the skillet with similar seasoning.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the different veggies to ensure everything is cooked to your liking!
