Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta
DESCRIPTION
A vibrant, hearty, and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken sausages, tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta tossed together with Italian herbs and a light garlic-infused olive oil. This dish is full of flavor, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes!
ORIGIN
This dish is a modern fusion of Italian-inspired ingredients with a health-conscious twist, often seen in Mediterranean home cooking. It combines the simplicity of pasta with the lightness of vegetables and lean protein.
INGREDIENTS (QUANTITY)
For 4 servings:
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
• 4 chicken sausages (approx. 12 oz or 340 g), sliced into rounds
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
INGREDIENTS (OPTIONAL)
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (for deglazing)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for a richer sauce)
• Lemon zest (for a fresh finish)
• Extra Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the sausage:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic (and onion, if using), sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender. Then add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 more minutes until softened.
4. Combine and season:
Return sausages to the skillet. Add oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. (Optional: deglaze with wine or broth.) Stir to combine.
5. Toss with pasta:
Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the mixture. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Finish and serve:
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan (if using) and fresh basil. Serve warm.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
• Brown the sausages well for extra flavor and color.
• Don’t overcook the zucchini – it should be tender but not mushy.
• Reserve pasta water – it helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
• Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
• Add lemon zest for brightness if the dish feels too rich.
RECOMMENDATION
• Serve with a simple arugula salad and crusty bread.
• Pairs well with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
• Make it spicy by adding extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it creamy by adding a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese at the end.
NUTRITION (Per Serving, Approximate)
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
Note: Nutrition will vary based on sausage and cheese brands.
Let me know if you want a printable version, substitutions for dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.), or meal prep tips!