Description
This delightful Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta recipe combines juicy chicken sausages with fresh vegetables and pasta in a flavorful garlic-herb sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set both aside.
- Brown the chicken sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the zucchini and aromatics: In the same skillet, add the zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Simmer with chicken broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add back the sausages: Return the cooked chicken sausages to the skillet, stirring everything together and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content in the dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken sausages with plant-based sausages or omit meat altogether.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Reserve pasta water when draining as it helps to loosen and bind the sauce for a silky texture.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
