Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together savory chicken sausages, fresh vegetables, and pasta for a satisfying yet light meal. This recipe is packed with flavor but not heavy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light weekend lunch. The combination of juicy chicken sausages, tender zucchini, and ripe tomatoes creates a fresh and vibrant profile, while the pasta adds the perfect texture to soak up the delicious juices. The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal option when you want a meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. It’s versatile, too—feel free to swap out vegetables or add herbs to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a pasta lover or looking for a new twist on your usual sausage dish, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Print
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta – A Flavorful and Light Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A light and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken sausages paired with sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes, and pasta, all tossed in a savory garlic sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini slices and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Return the cooked sausages to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss to combine, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to use any variety of chicken sausage (spicy, sweet, etc.) to adjust the flavor profile.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken sausages
Chicken sausages provide a lean, flavorful base for this dish. They add savory depth without being as greasy as pork sausages, making them perfect for this light pasta.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a great summer vegetable that cooks quickly and adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It provides crunch and freshness to the dish.
Tomatoes
Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring juicy sweetness and a bit of acidity, making them the perfect complement to the savory sausages and zucchini.
Pasta
Your choice of pasta works here, but short pasta like penne, farfalle, or rotini is ideal for holding the sauce and vegetables.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the sausages and vegetables, adding a touch of richness.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory profile of the dish and works beautifully with the chicken sausages.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth, balancing out the dish’s flavors.
Fresh basil
Basil provides a bright, herbal note that elevates the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential to bring out the flavors in the sausages, vegetables, and pasta.
Parmesan cheese (optional)
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and a finishing touch of umami.
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Cook the sausages: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and slice them into rounds. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine: Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced sausages back into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat everything in the sauce. Toss everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve the dish hot, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Total time required is around 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of olive oil or water if needed to keep the pasta from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is versatile and can be easily modified to fit different tastes or dietary preferences. For added protein, you can swap out the chicken sausages for turkey or lean pork sausages, or even use grilled chicken breast. If you’re looking to make it vegetarian, you can omit the sausage entirely and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables or sausages while cooking. If you love cheese, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan or even mozzarella on top before serving. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
For a lower-carb option, substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to keep the dish light but still full of flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein (g) | 27 |
| Carbs (g) | 45 |
| Fat (g) | 20 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 6 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 7 |
| Sodium (mg) | 750 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use high-quality chicken sausages for the best flavor.
Ensure the sausages are cooked through before slicing them.
Don’t skip the fresh basil—it adds a burst of flavor at the end.
For extra richness, finish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Use pasta water to help the sauce come together and coat the pasta nicely.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep the sausage, veggies, and pasta separately and combine them just before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or any other vegetable you love.
How do I know when the sausages are cooked through?
The sausages should be browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center. You can also check the internal temperature— it should be 165°F (74°C).
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
Is this recipe low-carb?
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the vegetables for extra heat.
What other herbs can I use?
Thyme, oregano, or parsley can also be great additions to this dish for a different herbal note.
Conclusion
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With lean chicken sausages, fresh vegetables, and pasta, it’s both hearty and light, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend lunches. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you want to add more spice, switch up the vegetables, or add extra protein. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
ngry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!