This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a tasty and colorful dish. It features juicy chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and sweet tomatoes all cozying up with pasta for a hearty meal!
What’s even better? It’s super quick to make! Perfect for busy evenings when you’re hungry but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I usually whip it up in about 30 minutes—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni for this recipe. They hold the sauce really well. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to sub with gluten-free pasta. Spaghetti works too, but keep in mind the texture will be different.
Chicken Sausage: I love using chicken sausage because it’s lean yet flavorful. If you want a vegetarian option, look for plant-based sausages. Regular pork sausage can also be used, but adjust cooking time as needed.
Zucchini: This adds freshness and a nice crunch. You can substitute yellow squash or bell peppers if zucchini isn’t available. Both bring great flavor, but will change the texture a bit.
Cherry Tomatoes: For sweetness, cherry tomatoes are perfect. If they’re out of season, canned tomatoes can work, but fresh is best for taste. You could also use regular diced tomatoes.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sauté on Your Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables properly enhances their flavors and textures. Here are a few steps to get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil—this prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if you add too many veggies at once, they steam instead of sautéing.
- Cook in batches if necessary, especially with larger quantities.
- Toss or stir occasionally, but let them sit for a bit to develop nice color.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked veggies that add great taste and color to your pasta dish!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb chicken sausage (sliced; sweet or spicy according to preference)
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chicken sausage pasta takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes for this delicious meal. Quick and perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but be sure to save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later adjustments to the sauce. Set aside your pasta.
2. Brown the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook it for about 5-6 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, toss in the sliced zucchini and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they start to become tender.
4. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the zucchini. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices, adding extra flavor.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. It’s time to add the drained pasta! Toss everything gently, and pour in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time, mixing until everything is nicely combined and the sauce has the right consistency.
6. Season and Finish Up:
Season your pasta dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for that creamy finish.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Your dish is ready! Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make chicken sausage pasta with vibrant veggies!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are great choices for catching the sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer, including gluten-free options. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the type of pasta used.
Can I Substitute the Chicken Sausage?
Yes! If you want a different flavor profile, feel free to use turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetables you choose, so adjust accordingly!
