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
Scale
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.
