Description
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken sausages cooked with fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Tossed with your choice of pasta and finished with a light Parmesan garnish, this meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Oil
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Brown the Sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages, cooking them for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Zucchini and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Return Sausages and Heat Through: Add the cooked chicken sausages back to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken sausages with turkey or pork sausages if preferred.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional; omit for a milder dish or increase for extra heat.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add vibrant flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer those dietary options.
