Description
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe is a flavorful and easy Italian-inspired main course that combines tender chicken sausage rounds with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a balanced and hearty meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and set the pasta aside.
- Brown the Chicken Sausages: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausages and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still retaining some firmness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine and warm through, loosening the sauce with the pasta water as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve the dish immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as a substitute to accommodate dietary preferences.
- For added creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese just before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
