This recipe combines tasty chicken sausages with fresh zucchini and pasta for a quick, scrumptious meal. It’s a wonderful mix of flavors and textures!
You can whip it up in no time, which means more time for binge-watching your favorite show. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that makes the vegetables disappear? 🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Sausages: These are flavorful and convenient, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey or veggie sausages instead. Both bring great flavor and work perfectly in this dish.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch. If you’re out of zucchini, yellow squash is a good substitute. You can also use bell peppers or spinach for a change of scenery.
Cherry Tomatoes: These provide a sweet touch. If you can’t find them, any regular tomato chopped into bite-sized pieces will work just fine. Canned tomatoes can also be used; just drain the liquid.
Pasta: While I used rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will do. If you’re gluten-free, corn or rice pasta is a great alternative!
Herbs: If you don’t have dried oregano or basil, Italian seasoning is a nice mix that’ll work. Fresh herbs add a lovely vibrancy, so don’t hesitate to use them if you have them!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right enhances the overall dish. To achieve this, use plenty of salted water, which helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Here are some tips to follow:
- Bring water to a rolling boil before adding pasta.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness about a minute before the package time recommendations. It should be al dente—cooked but still firm to the bite.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
Perfectly cooked pasta will soak up flavors from the sauce, making it taste even better! Enjoy cooking.
Easy Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s delicious and perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water if you need to adjust your sauce later!
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausages:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook them, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells wonderfully fragrant. Then, add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is just tender and lightly browned (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Add the Tomatoes and Herbs:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and burst a little.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, return the cooked sausages to the skillet and mix them with the sautéed vegetables. Season your dish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat!).
6. Toss with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes. This will help everything combine nicely and warm through. If the dish seems a little dry, feel free to add a splash of the reserved pasta water!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and cheesy. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while it’s hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken sausages with zucchini and pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken sausages for a lighter option, feel free to substitute with turkey, pork, or even vegetarian sausages. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish!
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, yellow squash works well as a great alternative. You can also use bell peppers, asparagus, or even spinach for a nice twist on this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything except for the pasta ahead of time. Cook the vegetables and sausages and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and combine everything together for a quick meal!
