If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting meal that brings together hearty flavors and fresh veggies, this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen. With tender slices of juicy chicken sausage mingling with tender zucchini and sweet bursts of tomatoes, all tossed with your favorite pasta, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory and fresh. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to share with friends, loaded with textures and colors that make every bite as delightful as the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but work beautifully together to create a dish full of freshness, warmth, and satisfying heartiness. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s adding vibrant color, tasty protein, or a touch of aromatic flavor.
- Chicken sausages: Choose quality sausages for juicy protein and plenty of flavor in every slice.
- Olive oil: Essential for that savory sear and to help meld the flavors together.
- Zucchini: Adds a mild sweetness and tender texture, plus a lovely green hue.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: Their juicy pop releases natural sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, fragrant base that elevates all the other ingredients.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic herbs that add depth and a touch of earthiness.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a subtle kick to balance the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Necessary for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- Pasta of choice: Penne, spaghetti, or any favorite type to carry the sauce perfectly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Helps create a light sauce and adds moisture and savoriness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, for a salty, creamy finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Finishing herbs that lift the dish with fresh color and brightness.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of pasta water before draining—that little bit of starchy water is gold when it comes to keeping your sauce silky and helping everything bind together wonderfully.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausages
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and give them about 5 to 7 minutes to brown nicely and cook through. This step builds a rich, savory base that forms the heartiness of the dish. Once ready, remove the sausages and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini and Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced zucchini and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes tender but still holds its shape. Then add the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for another couple of minutes until your kitchen fills with that irresistible fragrant aroma that just makes you want to dive right in.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Next, add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes so they soften and start releasing their natural juices, adding a fresh and slightly sweet dimension to the sauce. It’s the magic moment when this dish really starts to come alive.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s where all the flavor hides! Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a luscious coating for your pasta and veggies.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss well to coat it with the sauce. If the mixture feels a little dry, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up and keep the texture silky and inviting.
Step 7: Return Sausages and Finish Cooking
Pop the browned chicken sausages back into the skillet and mix everything together. Let the whole pan cook over low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld perfectly and everything is heated through evenly.
Step 8: Season and Garnish
The final flourish is seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste. Sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley for that extra burst of color and flavor, giving the dish a truly irresistible finish.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add an elegant and fresh touch. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple sauté of spinach also make excellent companion dishes to keep the meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe in individual rustic bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. You can also plate it over a bed of baby arugula for a peppery contrast that makes every bite sing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, making it even tastier when reheated the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare meals ahead of time. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While chicken sausages keep this recipe light and flavorful, you can swap in pork, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages to suit your preferences. Just adjust cooking times according to the type you choose.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Penne, spaghetti, or other medium-sized shapes like fusilli or rigatoni all work wonderfully. The key is to pick a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce and bits of sausage and veggies.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for optional heat, but you can easily leave those out if you prefer a milder dish. The flavors shine bright even without any spice.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure any chicken broth or sausage you purchase is also labeled gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To enjoy a vegan version, substitute chicken sausages with plant-based sausages, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The fresh veggies ensure it stays delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe is a wonderfully balanced blend of comfort and freshness that’s easy to prepare and impressively satisfying. Whether cooking for your family or sharing with friends, it’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!
Print
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta recipe that combines savory chicken sausages with fresh vegetables and herbs, tossed with pasta in a light, aromatic sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Pantry & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Brown the Sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausages from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, letting the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Stir in the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Return Sausages to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken sausages back to the skillet, mixing everything together. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use any sausage variety you prefer; chicken sausage keeps it leaner.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a mild heat, or omit if you prefer no spice.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice, salty finish.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish and complement the tomatoes well.
