Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that is both comforting and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a delightful combination of juicy chicken sausages, tender zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating an easy yet impressive dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for its wonderful balance of savory and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each component is simple but essential, contributing to that scrumptious, colorful plate you’ll love serving again and again.
- Chicken sausages: Choose Italian or spicy for a flavorful, juicy protein base that elevates the dish.
- Zucchini: Adds a tender, slightly sweet crunch that complements the savory sausage beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness soften up nicely to infuse the dish with vibrant color and acidity.
- Short pasta (penne or fusilli): Perfect for holding onto sauce and mixing effortlessly with the other ingredients.
- Garlic: A must for depth and a delicious aroma when sautéed.
- Olive oil: Keeps everything glossy and brings out the natural flavors as you cook.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds that classic Mediterranean flair to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together just right.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): For a creamy, salty finishing touch that makes the dish even more indulgent.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of short pasta like penne or fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for tossing with the delicious sausage and veggies.
Step 2: Brown the chicken sausages
Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and allow them to brown nicely for 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it caramelizes the sausages’ natural juices, boosting their flavor and texture.
Step 3: Sauté garlic, zucchini, and tomatoes
Next, add minced garlic, diced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the browned sausages. Sauté this vibrant mix for about 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, creating a beautiful, fragrant base for your pasta.
Step 4: Season and combine flavors
Sprinkle Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper over the skillet. Gently stir to incorporate all the flavors. This seasoning blend brings warmth and balance, enriching the dish with aromatic herbs that pair perfectly with the fresh vegetables and savory sausage.
Step 5: Toss in the pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, carefully tossing all the ingredients together over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together and ensures every bite is cohesive and delicious.
Step 6: Add optional Parmesan
Just before serving, if you like, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. This adds a luscious, salty creaminess that rounds out the flavors perfectly without overpowering the freshness of the zucchini and tomatoes.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make ideal garnishes, adding a pop of color and invigorating aroma to brighten each plate. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few lemon zest shavings can also elevate the final presentation while adding subtle, complementary notes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or garlic bread that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover juices on your plate. Roasted vegetables or a light appetizer like bruschetta offer tasty and complementary side options for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this meal family-style in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful combination of sausages, zucchini, and tomatoes nestled among the pasta. You could also plate it individually with Parmesan sprinkled artfully on top for a cozy yet elegant presentation that impresses guests without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal you can enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, avoid adding Parmesan cheese until after reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to keep everything moist. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals stirring between to evenly warm the dish without drying out the pasta or vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausages keep the dish light and lean, you can swap in pork, turkey, or even plant-based sausages depending on your preference or dietary needs.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli are ideal because their ridges and tubes hold onto sauce and mix well with the chunky sausage and vegetables. But feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe stores well in the refrigerator and makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner during busy weekdays.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The flavors and textures will remain just as delightful, making it an inclusive meal for all.
What’s the best way to keep the zucchini from getting mushy?
Dice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces and sauté just until tender but still firm, about 5 minutes. Overcooking can lead to mushiness, so keep an eye on them during that step for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours on it, and this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of meal. With fresh veggies, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite easy dinner in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients can create such a satisfying and colorful plate!
Print
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and hearty Italian-inspired meal featuring flavorful chicken sausages sautéed with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, combined with perfectly cooked short pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 chicken sausages (Italian or spicy), sliced
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your short pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet with the sausages. Cook together for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften but still hold their shape.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the contents of the skillet. Gently stir to combine and allow the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sausage mixture: Add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to incorporate flavors and heat evenly.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory finish.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausages if preferred for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicy kick, choose spicy Italian chicken sausages or add red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added as garnish for extra freshness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if required.
- Make sure not to overcook the zucchini and tomatoes to keep their texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
