This Chicken Sausage Pasta is super easy and tasty! It’s made with juicy chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and ripe tomatoes, all tossed together in a comforting dish.
It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a hearty meal. I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights when I’m starving! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni or Short Pasta: Rigatoni is great for holding onto the sauce, but you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. They all work well with the ingredients!
Chicken Sausage: I love using chicken sausage for its flavor and leaner profile. You could also use turkey sausage or even vegetarian sausage if you’re looking to cut down on meat.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lovely texture. If you don’t have any, try bell peppers or spinach as alternatives. Both add great flavor!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes burst beautifully in this dish. However, if they aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes can serve as a decent substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken sausage right affects the whole dish. You want it to be nice and browned. Here’s how!
- Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding the olive oil.
- Add the sliced sausage, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Move them around to brown all sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as that can lead to steaming instead of browning!
I find that letting the sausage brown a bit before stirring helps develop delicious flavors. Keep an eye on them, and they will add a tasty punch to your pasta!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni or other short pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick 30-minute meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. After reserving, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Chicken Sausage:
Next, grab a large skillet and add the olive oil, heating it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the sliced chicken sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage pieces are nicely browned and cooked through. After cooking, carefully remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Zucchini:
In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender and starts to brown slightly. This adds a great flavor to the dish!
4. Add Tomatoes and Garlic:
Next, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst. The aroma will be amazing!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir it all together.
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything well to coat the pasta with the sauce and ingredients. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a nice light sauce that clings to the pasta.
7. Season and Garnish:
Finally, season your pasta with salt and pepper to taste. To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top and add extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pasta immediately while it’s hot! Enjoy the tasty combination of chicken sausage, zucchini, and juicy tomatoes!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage is lean and flavorful, you can easily substitute it with turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick. Just adjust cooking times if necessary to ensure they’re cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, covering the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrition!
What Can I Serve with This Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a more filling meal, you can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrients and flavor!
