If you’re craving a comforting yet fresh dish that comes together quickly and delights the senses, this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It combines juicy, flavorful chicken sausages with the freshness of sautéed zucchini and bursting cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s vibrant, hearty, and truly satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe balances simplicity and taste in such a delightful way you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe so approachable is how straightforward but impactful the ingredients are. Each one plays a starring role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color on your plate.
- Chicken sausages: Choose Italian or spicy varieties for a juicy, savory punch.
- Zucchini: Adds a light, crisp texture and subtle sweetness to balance the sausages.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juicy acidity, they brighten the entire dish.
- Short pasta (penne or fusilli): Perfect shapes that catch the sauce and toppings well.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic base flavor when sautéed.
- Olive oil: A rich, fruity oil used to sauté and marry the ingredients together.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the dish’s Italian-inspired profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish that’s just irresistible.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling your preferred short pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite, giving a perfect mouthfeel that will hold up well when mixed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the chicken sausages
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced chicken sausages. Let them brown for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step renders the sausage fat, intensifies their flavor, and develops those lovely browned edges that add texture and depth to the dish.
Step 3: Sauté zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic
To the sausages, stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté this colorful mix for about 5 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly and the tomatoes start to burst, releasing their juices and adding a vibrant, fresh sauce component.
Step 4: Season the mixture
Sprinkle Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper right into the skillet and give everything a gentle stir. These simple seasonings bring out the rich flavors of the sausages, the sweetness of the vegetables, and add that classic Italian-herb aroma to the dish.
Step 5: Combine with pasta
Add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss all the ingredients together for 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the pasta soak up the savory juices from the sausages and vegetables ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. It’s a lovely final mingling of textures and taste.
Step 6: Add optional Parmesan cheese
Right before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the dish if you like. The cheese melts slightly from the heat, adding a creamy, nutty richness that perfectly rounds out the meal.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley make fantastic garnishes here. They add a burst of fresh color and herbaceous brightness that complements the hearty flavors beautifully. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top can also add a luscious finish to this vibrant dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own but pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad or a simple garlic bread. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the chicken sausages while crunchy garlic bread adds texture and soaks up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic bowls to showcase the colorful presentation of zucchini and tomatoes for an inviting look. Alternatively, turn it into a baked pasta casserole by transferring to a baking dish, sprinkling with cheese, and broiling until golden and bubbly for a cozy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even further as they sit, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, too. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta looks dry. Stirring occasionally helps maintain that fresh, saucy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausages are lighter, feel free to experiment with pork or turkey sausages depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times if the sausages are thicker or raw.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best because their grooves and tubes hold onto the sauce and ingredients beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausages and add extra zucchini or substitute with plant-based sausage alternatives. Roasted chickpeas or mushrooms can also add meaty texture.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that your sausages and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the sautéing step for even more color, nutrition, and flavor. They blend seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe is a beautiful example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. It’s quick enough for busy nights but special enough to share with family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!
Print
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful and quick recipe featuring Italian or spicy chicken sausages sautéed with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and garlic, combined with al dente pasta and seasoned with Italian herbs. Finished optionally with Parmesan cheese, this dish serves as a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 4 chicken sausages (Italian or spicy)
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Carbohydrates
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne or fusilli)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Drain and set aside while keeping warm.
- Brown the sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken sausages and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add minced garlic, diced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the sausages. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still retain some texture.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir gently to evenly coat the sausages and vegetables with the spices.
- Combine pasta and sausage mixture: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Use Italian or spicy chicken sausages based on your preferred heat level.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Make sure not to overcook the zucchini to keep a slight bite and freshness in the dish.
- You can substitute the short pasta with any other shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rigatoni.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
