The Best Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Recipe

Crafting delectable chicken sausages with zucchini and pasta promises a culinary adventure that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Succulent links infuse Mediterranean charm into weeknight dinners.

Crisp zucchini slices dance alongside tender pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Aromatic herbs whisper subtle elegance across each carefully composed plate.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet satisfying combination.

Quick preparations mean you can savor a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.

Fresh ingredients shine in this straightforward recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that will make everyone at the table smile.

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta That Comforts

• Boost Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Maximize Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the perfect blend of savory chicken sausages, fresh zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes that create a vibrant and delicious dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to cook and combine all ingredients, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.

Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta

• Chicken Sausages: Flavorful protein that provides the primary taste and substance of the dish.
• Pasta: The hearty base that helps bind all the ingredients together.
• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds nutrition and light texture to the meal.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that create depth and complexity in the recipe.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese: Bright ingredients that provide a burst of freshness and rich, tangy finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Key cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop rich flavors.

How to Cook Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, letting it rest while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Sausages

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.

Slide the chicken sausages into the pan, letting them sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Rotate the sausages occasionally to ensure even cooking, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Diced zucchini
• Halved cherry tomatoes

Let the vegetables dance in the pan, softening and releasing their aromatic flavors for about 5 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Season with Flavor Boosters

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently stir the ingredients, allowing the herbs and spices to coat everything evenly and create a mouth-watering blend of flavors.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sausage Mixture

Add the previously drained pasta into the skillet.

Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the delicious sausage and vegetable mixture. Let it all mingle for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy your magnificent meal!

Tips for Tender and Tasty Chicken Sausages and Pasta

• Choose low-sodium chicken sausages for a healthier option and better salt control.
• Pat zucchini dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure perfect sautéing.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and vibrant color.
• Select whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Cook sausages on medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning.

Flavorful Variations on Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken sausages with plant-based sausages or firm tofu crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for za'atar spice blend to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Pairings That Enhance Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta

• A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the sausages and complements the zucchini's fresh flavor.
• Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and add a light, tangy contrast.
• Serve warm, toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious pan juices and add textural crunch.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the dish and add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

How to Keep Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays fresh and tasty.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop Revive: Warm slightly with a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently to redistribute ingredients and restore original texture within 3-4 minutes.
• Freeze Option: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

FAQs

• Are chicken sausages healthier than traditional pork sausages?

Chicken sausages are typically lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausages, making them a leaner protein option that still provides great flavor and nutrition.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a standard pasta, you can easily swap in whole wheat, gluten-free, or alternative shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni without changing the cooking method.

• How do I know when the zucchini is perfectly cooked?

The zucchini is ready when it becomes slightly tender but still maintains a slight crispness, which usually takes about 5 minutes of sautéing. You want it soft but not mushy.

Chicken Sausages With Zucchini And Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade chicken sausages with zucchini and pasta blend Mediterranean flavors into a quick weeknight dinner. Italian-inspired ingredients create a delicious meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken sausages (Italian or spicy)
• 2 zucchini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz (226 g) short pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Slice chicken sausages diagonally and sear until golden brown and crispy edges form, roughly 4-6 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 30 seconds. Incorporate diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring frequently to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
4. Gently dust the sautéed mixture with Italian seasoning, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt. Ensure each ingredient is evenly coated with the fragrant herbs.
5. Transfer the previously drained pasta into the skillet, carefully folding and tossing to harmonize the ingredients. Allow the flavors to meld together for an additional 2-3 minutes over gentle heat.
6. For a luxurious finish, shower the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a delectable layer of umami and texture. Serve immediately while warm and vibrant.

Notes

• Swap chicken sausages with turkey or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Toast herbs like Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding vegetables to enhance their aromatic flavors.
• Ensure zucchini is not overcooked by cutting into uniform pieces and sautéing quickly to maintain crispness.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth while cooking to create a richer, more complex sauce base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg