This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a tasty dish that mixes yummy chicken sausage with fresh zucchini and juicy tomatoes. It’s colorful, fun, and super simple to whip up!
I love how the zucchini adds a nice crunch, and the tomatoes burst with flavor! I usually make this when I want a quick dinner that feels special. You’ll impress your friends for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni since they hold the sauce well. If you’re gluten-free, try using brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta for a fantastic alternative.
Chicken Sausage: Chicken sausage adds great flavor and is often lower in fat. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or substitute it with mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect here, but you can swap it with yellow squash or even spinach. If you’re in a pinch, frozen zucchini can work too, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Cherry Tomatoes: These tomatoes add sweetness. If you can’t find them, use regular tomatoes chopped up, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. Both will add great flavor!
How Do I Get The Chicken Sausage Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken sausage just right is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat before adding the sausage. This helps achieve that nice brown exterior.
- Slice the sausage into rounds. This helps it cook evenly and gives more surface area for browning.
- Let the sausage sit without stirring for a couple of minutes before flipping. This will create a delicious crust.
- Cooking it for about 5-7 minutes should do the trick. Make sure it’s no longer pink inside!
Following these tips will give you perfectly cooked sausage that adds the best flavor to your pasta dish!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage links (mild or spicy), sliced into rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or parsley)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and around 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain the rest. Set the drained pasta aside for later!
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, scoop them out of the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet where you cooked the sausage, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, then throw in the sliced zucchini. Sauté the zucchini for 4-5 minutes, just until it becomes tender.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so all the flavors can combine.
6. Toss in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together so that the pasta is coated with the sauce and combined with the sausage and veggies.
7. Final Touches:
Now, stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you need. This is your chance to make it just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious chicken sausage pasta immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of this hearty and quick meal!
Take a moment to relish in the vibrant colors of the dish and enjoy every bite of this tasty, easy-to-make meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients, while gluten-free pasta can be used if needed. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as they can vary.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Sausage?
If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey sausage or pork sausage can work well too. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to bring back moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
