This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a tasty dish packed with juicy chicken sausages, fresh zucchini, and bright tomatoes. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights!
You know what? The zucchini adds a nice crunch that surprises me each time. Plus, it feels good to sneak in some veggies! I love having this ready in just 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne are great choices for this recipe; they hold onto the sauce well. If these aren’t available, you can substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta shape you prefer.
Chicken sausage: I love using chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you want a different flavor, turkey sausage is a great replacement. You could also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian dish.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture, but you can swap it for yellow squash or even bell peppers. If you want more greens, try adding spinach or kale at the end of cooking.
Cherry tomatoes: They provide sweetness and burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes will work fine, just add them a bit earlier to cook down.
Parmesan cheese: This cheese gives a nice salty flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a tasty substitute!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Getting your pasta just right is key to this dish. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked pasta:
- Start with a large pot of boiling salted water; this helps season the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the package for cooking times and taste it a minute or two before the time is up.
- Look for “al dente,” which means it should be tender but still have a bit of a bite.
- Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water; it can help loosen the sauce later!
Cooking the pasta well ensures that it will hold up in the dish and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken sausage links, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a speedy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the zucchini slices and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to blister and become juicy.
4. Combine Everything:
Put the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the veggies. Season everything with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir to combine all the flavors.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat until well mixed, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up some of that yummy sausage and vegetable goodness.
6. Finish with Cheese and Parsley:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Mix until the cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta and sausage. If you like, you can add a splash of pasta water to make the dish a bit saucier.
7. Serve:
Serve your tasty chicken sausage pasta immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish with a fresh veggie crunch!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Another Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use turkey or pork sausage instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, plant-based sausage works well too!
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash or bell peppers can be great substitutes. You can even add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra greens!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and the recipe will still turn out delicious. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions for the gluten-free pasta you choose.
