If you’re looking for a vibrant, family-friendly meal that wins over even picky eaters with irresistible flavor and color, Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. This lively, Italian-inspired dish tosses tender pasta with golden chicken sausage, crisp zucchini, and blistered tomatoes, then finishes with a sprinkle of Parmesan and basil for freshness. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver that tastes like a summer celebration in a bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient not only brings something special to the mix—flavor, color, or texture—but also makes the finished meal feel comforting yet wonderfully fresh. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get cooking:
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): The perfect shape for catching all those savory bites of sausage and veggies; choose your favorite kind or use whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for creating a silky, flavorful base and helping everything brown just right.
- Chicken sausages (4, sliced): Opt for a juicy, flavorful variety—smoked, spicy, or even herbed—depending on your taste.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds that unmistakable depth and aroma; don’t skip it for maximum savoriness.
- Zucchinis (2 medium, sliced): Bring subtle sweetness and vibrant green color, plus healthy texture to the dish.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These tiny jewels add juicy pops of flavor and a cheerful burst of red.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A quick way to infuse herbs and warmth; a little goes a long way.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Always season as you go for layers of flavor throughout.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds saltiness and nuttiness, melting right into the hot pasta for creamy goodness.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): For brightness and an aromatic finish—totally worth adding if you have it!
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne or rotini. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together. Cook until al dente, following package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about a half cup of the cooking water; you’ll use this starchy liquid to help bring the sauce together later. Drain the pasta, set aside, and get ready for the real magic.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausages
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and let them sizzle, flipping occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. The caramelized bits in the pan are packed with flavor, so don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Zucchini
Toss in the minced garlic with the sausages and let it cook until just fragrant—about one minute. Then, add the sliced zucchini and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender-crisp, so it keeps its beautiful green color and doesn’t get mushy.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Next, add your halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, forming the base of your light sauce. The colors here are irresistible—it’s like summer in a pan!
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Finish
Add the cooked pasta directly to your skillet, tossing everything together. If things seem a bit dry, splash in some reserved pasta water—a few tablespoons at a time—until everything looks glossy and well coated. Remove from the heat, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and toss again. If you’re feeling fancy, top it all off with fresh basil. Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta piping hot, and get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta
Garnishes
Elevate each plate with a final flurry of grated Parmesan or a handful of fresh basil ribbons. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper gives a bit of heat, while an extra drizzle of olive oil adds richness and shine. For an elegant touch, a little lemon zest or cracked black pepper rounds things out perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette makes a lovely side for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta, or pair it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up every saucy bite. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or even a dish of marinated olives add extra color and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a weeknight dinner, pile everything into a big family-style bowl for everyone to dig in. For guests, try serving Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta in shallow pasta bowls finished with a pretty basil leaf and extra Parmesan curls. Or, pack it into reusable containers for a colorful and satisfying work lunch that’ll make everyone jealous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making leftovers a seriously easy lunch.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, let the mixture cool first, then pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just know that the texture of the veggies may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be wonderful!
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, transfer to a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth and heat gently over medium, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, in 45-second bursts, stirring between each. Top with extra Parmesan and basil to freshen up each bowl.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you’re catering to different diets. Adjust seasoning to taste, since each type will bring its own unique twist.
What’s the best pasta shape for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta?
Short pasta like penne or rotini are perfect because they catch and hold the chunks of sausage and veggies, but don’t hesitate to use shells, rigatoni, or even fusilli—whatever you have on hand will work just fine!
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in bell peppers, baby spinach, or even thinly sliced kale along with the zucchini or tomatoes. This is a wonderfully forgiving dish that happily invites whatever fresh veggies you’re trying to use up.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy free?
Definitely! Just skip the Parmesan cheese and finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavors are so vibrant, you won’t miss a thing.
Can I prepare Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta ahead for busy nights?
Yes! Cook everything ahead of time, store in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready to serve. For the freshest finish, add a bit of extra Parmesan and basil just before serving to bring back that just-cooked pop of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something easy, colorful, and heartwarmingly satisfying, don’t wait another day to make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta. Every forkful is a beautiful balance of savory, fresh, and cheesy, so I promise you’ll want to make this again and again. Give it a try and let it become your next go-to favorite!
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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that is quick and easy to make. Tender pasta is tossed with savory chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and juicy tomatoes, then topped with Parmesan cheese and basil for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken Sausages:
- 4 chicken sausages (sliced into rounds)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Zucchini and Tomatoes:
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Sauté Sausages and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Add garlic, zucchini, and cook until tender-crisp. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy chicken sausage for extra flavor, or swap in turkey sausage or plant-based links.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic for tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
