This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a bright, colorful dish packed with yummy flavors! Tender chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and juicy tomatoes come together in a creamy sauce.
You won’t believe how easy this is to make! I love enjoying it on busy weeknights when I’m craving something tasty yet simple. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend penne or rigatoni for their perfect ability to hold the sauce. You can swap it with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for a healthier option. Even spiralized zucchini could work for a low-carb version!
Chicken Sausage: Italian-style chicken sausage adds fantastic flavors, but feel free to use turkey sausage or a plant-based option if you’re looking for something lighter or vegetarian. Just make sure it’s fully cooked when you add it to the skillet!
Zucchini: Zucchini is great for its mild flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, substitute with yellow squash, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness to the dish. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even grape tomatoes. Just remember to drain them a bit!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, substitute with half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy cream alternative if you’re dairy-free. The sauce might be a tad lighter, but it’ll still be tasty!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right is key to a delicious dish. Start with a big pot of salted water to kettle your pasta. This small step dramatically enhances flavor. Here’s what to do:
- Bring your salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente—meaning firm but not hard. Check a minute before the timer goes off.
- Reserve some pasta water (about half a cup) before draining. This starchy water is a great addition to your sauce for extra thickness.
Trust me, perfect pasta can make all the difference in your dish! Enjoy this simplicity while savoring every bite!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage (preferably Italian style), sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes total, including 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll enjoy this delightful meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but firm to the bite). Drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, stirring to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Now, toss in the sliced zucchini and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but still crisp.
5. Incorporate the Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. This will add lovely flavor to your dish.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and mix it well, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. It’s getting delicious!
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the sausage evenly. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste—tweak it to your preference!
9. Add the Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with that creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add in a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta warm. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch!
11. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your delicious Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes. It serves about 4 people, perfect for family dinner or meal prep!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian chicken sausage is delicious and flavorful, you can substitute it with turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based variety to suit your dietary preferences. Just ensure that they’re fully cooked!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken sausage and replace it with additional vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, and consider adding some beans for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
What to Serve This Pasta With?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider a simple green salad or garlic bread to complement the meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top always enhances the flavor!
