This colorful dish combines juicy chicken sausages with fresh zucchini, ripe tomatoes, and pasta for a hearty meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s super easy to whip up!
I love how the flavors blend together perfectly, and my family can’t get enough of it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies—win-win! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used penne, which holds the sauce nicely, but you can easily swap it for rigatoni, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Gluten-free pasta is also a great substitute.
Chicken Sausages: For flavor, I recommend using bird-based sausages since they are lighter. If you prefer a different protein, feel free to substitute with turkey or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian twist.
Zucchini: I love the freshness it adds. If zucchini isn’t in season, you can replace it with yellow squash or bell peppers. Eggplant works well too if you prefer something heartier.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add great sweetness. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes can work. Just adjust the quantity to your taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor and texture! If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get My Chicken Sausages Perfectly Browned?
Browning your chicken sausages adds a lot of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet to medium heat before adding the olive oil; this helps create a nice sear.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sausages and avoid overcrowding the pan; this allows them to brown evenly.
- Let them cook without stirring for a few minutes until they are golden before flipping. Aim for about 5-7 minutes total for even browning.
Don’t worry if they stick a bit; this adds to the flavor. Just be sure to scrape up those lovely bits when you add the garlic!
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep, and then the cooking process will take roughly 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Brown the Chicken Sausages:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausages. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. This will give them a lovely flavor!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausages. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Add Zucchini and Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the zucchini to become tender and the tomatoes to start bursting, making a nice sauce.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, you can pour in a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to help loosen things up.
6. Mix in Cheese and Season:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well combined. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. This step flavors the dish perfectly!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your dish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and add a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken sausages with pork, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; for instance, if using uncooked sausages like pork, ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano as a substitute for a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option for a cheesy flavor without using cheese, plus it’s vegan!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—add denser veggies earlier and quicker-cooking ones like spinach at the end of cooking.
