Bursting with vibrant flavors and irresistible textures, Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta is one of those magical weeknight wonders you’ll turn to again and again. Juicy chicken sausages mingle with crisp-tender zucchini, ribbons of pasta, and piles of Parmesan in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. With a touch of heat, fresh herbs, and the comfort of creamy, cheesy pasta, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a meal you’ll crave any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to create deliciousness out of this short and sweet list. Each ingredient adds something special, from vibrant color to layers of flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta irresistible.
- Pasta (8 ounces): Choose penne, rotini, or your favorite shape for maximum sauce-catching potential.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds welcome richness and helps everything caramelize in the skillet.
- Chicken sausages (4, sliced into rounds): Opt for pre-cooked or smoked for quick browning and savory flavor.
- Zucchini (2 medium, halved and sliced): Brings freshness, color, and just a hint of crunch.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The essential aromatic that makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly!
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little warmth and spark in every bite, add to taste.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the pasta for a luscious, creamy finish.
- Pasta water (1/4 cup, reserved): Helps create a silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t forget to season everything for optimal flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A handful of herbs brightens the whole dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until perfectly al dente, following the package directions. Before draining, be sure to scoop out and reserve a quarter cup of that luscious, starchy pasta water. This little bit of liquid transforms the dish’s texture later! Give the pasta a quick drain, then set it aside while you work your skillet magic.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausages
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium flame. Once shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausages in a single, even layer. Let them sizzle and brown for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’re golden on the edges and smelling fantastic. It’s the perfect start to Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta—those toasty bits mean loads of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Zucchini
Toss your halved and sliced zucchini right into the skillet. Let it cook alongside the sausages for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is tender zucchini that still has just a hint of firmness. If you like, season with a pinch of salt here to help draw out moisture and boost flavor.
Step 4: Garlic and a Little Heat
Stir in the minced garlic and, if you love a gentle kick, those optional red pepper flakes. Let everything cook for about a minute—just long enough for the garlic to release its aroma without burning. In this step, the kitchen truly starts to smell like an Italian trattoria.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Make Sauce
Time for the grand finale! Add your drained pasta straight to the skillet with the sausage and zucchini. Pour in the reserved pasta water and scatter the grated Parmesan over the top. Now toss and stir with joy, letting the cheese melt and the pasta water create a glossy, creamy sauce that ties it all together. Finish with salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust the texture with a splash more pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and shower everything with your favorite fresh herbs—chopped basil or parsley work wonders. This is where Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta comes to life! Serve hot, with extra cheese and herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl with a generous flourish of grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and a handful of chopped basil or parsley. These garnishes not only make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta look irresistible but also add bursts of flavor and color in every forkful.
Side Dishes
Serve your steaming bowls alongside a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a platter of oven-roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients. A piece of crusty, warm bread is perfect for mopping up any velvety sauce left behind—and no one’s going to complain if you offer a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with citrus slices!
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, try piling Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta into a big serving bowl, family-style, and let everyone help themselves. Or portion it into individual pasta bowls and top each with a swirl of olive oil and a fresh herb sprig for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can even nestle it on a bed of wilted spinach or arugula for a modern, nutritious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch just as dreamy as dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely before packing it in freezer-safe containers. It will hold well for up to two months. To help preserve the best texture, consider undercooking the zucchini slightly if you know you’ll be freezing, as it can soften upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a tiny splash of water or broth to help revive the creaminess of the sauce. Stir well and let it heat through, then finish with a fresh dusting of Parmesan and herbs for that just-cooked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta has a lovely light and savory flavor thanks to chicken sausages, you can easily swap in turkey or even mild Italian pork sausage. Adjust the cooking time for uncooked sausages and make sure they’re fully cooked before moving to the next steps.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal since they catch the sauce and bits of zucchini and sausage in every bite. Long pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti will work as well—just go with your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
Is this dish spicy?
The base recipe has just a gentle, optional heat from red pepper flakes. Simply omit them for a milder version, or increase for extra zing. Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta is wonderfully customizable depending on your taste.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The creamy, cheesy sauce and savory sausage mean you won’t notice any difference, and everyone can enjoy a bowl of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Try tossing in a handful of baby spinach, a few halved cherry tomatoes, or even peas along with the zucchini for extra nutrition and color. The gentle flavor makes this a perfect “clean out the fridge” kind of recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and cheerful about a big bowl of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta. It’s fast enough for busy nights, impressive enough for friends, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. Give it a try the next time you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner—you might just find yourself making it on repeat.
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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful meal with this flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this Italian-inspired recipe combines the richness of chicken sausages with the freshness of zucchini, all tossed together with pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 chicken sausages (sliced into rounds)
- 2 medium zucchini (halved and sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Sear Sausages: Brown chicken sausages in olive oil.
- Add Vegetables: Cook zucchini until slightly crisp. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Toss in cooked pasta, pasta water, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe works well with pre-cooked or smoked chicken sausage.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
