This easy chicken sausage pasta is packed with tasty veggies like zucchini and sweet tomatoes. It’s a quick meal that is colorful and flavorful—perfect for busy weeknights!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist those juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor. When I make this dish, I always save some for lunch the next day—it’s just as good reheated! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Sausage: I love using chicken sausage because it adds great flavor without too much fat. You can substitute turkey sausage or even veggie sausage if you’re looking for a lighter or plant-based option. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the dish!
Pasta: Rigatoni and penne are my top picks for this recipe, but you can use any pasta you have on hand. Spaghetti or fusilli works well too! Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are excellent substitutions for a healthier twist.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great texture, but you can swap it with summer squash or even bell peppers if needed. Both options will work nicely in this dish, adding their unique flavors.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness is fantastic here! If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work fine too. You can also use canned tomatoes; just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Cook Pasta and Veggies Together Efficiently?
Cooking pasta and veggies can be a little tricky, but it’s manageable! Here’s how I do it:
- Start boiling your salted water for the pasta first. This way, you have it ready while preparing the vegetables.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This prevents mushiness when mixed with the other ingredients later.
- In the skillet, once your sausage is cooked, add the garlic and then your vegetables. Sauté them until they are just tender. This keeps them vibrant and flavorful!
- Lastly, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the veggies and sausage. Give it all a good stir to let the flavors combine beautifully.
By following this order, you’ll save time and ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sausage:
- 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 3 chicken sausages, sliced into bite-size pieces
Vegetables:
- 2 small zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Toppings:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to whip up! You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping your ingredients, and then around 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to rinse it, as you want to keep that starchy goodness!
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage pieces to the skillet. Sauté them until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, add the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes have softened and started to blister, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Now, return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the veggies. Stir everything together to combine well. Season with salt, black pepper, and if you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
5. Add the Pasta:
Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta mixes with the sausage and veggies.
6. Finish It Off:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until everything is nicely combined. The warmth of the dish will help melt the cheese slightly, making it creamy and delicious.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty chicken sausage pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this colorful dish!
This recipe is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a well-balanced meal packed with flavor. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of zucchini or tomatoes, feel free to swap them out. Bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli would work great in this dish. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different vegetables.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of options on the market that cook similarly to regular pasta, so you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them for a quicker option!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sausage and veggies in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta separately right before serving, then combine everything together for a quick meal!
