This easy chicken sausage pasta with zucchini is a quick, tasty meal packed with flavor. You’ll love how the juicy sausage mixes perfectly with fresh zucchini and pasta.
It’s so simple to whip up—I usually toss everything together in one pot! Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll feel like a superstar chef. Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni for this dish, as their shape holds onto the sauce nicely. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa or chickpea pasta works great too!
Chicken Sausage: Chicken sausage adds a lovely flavor. If you want a leaner option, turkey sausage can be used instead, or for a vegetarian twist, consider using veggie sausage.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a lovely texture. You can swap it with yellow squash or even bell peppers if zucchini isn’t available.
Cherry Tomatoes: They’re optional but add a juicy sweetness. You could use canned diced tomatoes or leave them out altogether if you’re not a fan.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan gives a nice cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute. It adds a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Chicken Sausage?
Cooking chicken sausage until golden brown ensures it’s flavorful and satisfying. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Ensure they’re fully cooked through; check by cutting one piece to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
Removing it before adding veggies helps keep that nice brown color. Make sure to use the same skillet for the veggies—you’ll love the flavor it adds!
How to Get the Most Flavor from Your Zucchini?
To get a great texture and flavor from zucchini, follow these tips:
- Slice them into half-moons for even cooking. This helps them become tender yet still slightly crisp.
- Cook them on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to soften without becoming mushy.
- A pinch of salt during cooking will draw out moisture, enhancing their natural flavor.
This technique keeps them vibrant and adds a fresh bite to your pasta dish!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage (mild or spicy), sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for added freshness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious chicken sausage pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use!
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage, and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once cooked, take the sausage out of the skillet and put it aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent—this usually takes about 3 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. You’ll love the aroma!
4. Add the Zucchini and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add those sliced zucchinis and halved cherry tomatoes (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 4-5 minutes, just until the zucchini is nice and tender but still has a little bite to it.
5. Combine the Sausage:
Return the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir it all together. If you love a little heat, this is the perfect time to sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up!
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet, and gently mix everything together. If you find the pasta seems a bit dry, just add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Add the Parmesan and season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This will add that creamy, cheesy goodness we all love!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your hearty, tasty meal!
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly and highlights the fresh taste of zucchini alongside savory chicken sausage!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great choice for added fiber and a nutty flavor. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas; just follow the cooking time on the package for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Sausage?
If you prefer a different protein, turkey sausage is a leaner option. You can also use veggie sausage for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to cook the veggie sausage according to package instructions for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or a little olive oil to loosen it up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just sauté them alongside the zucchini so they’re beautifully cooked yet still crisp!
