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
Scale
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.
