Description
Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and perfectly cooked pasta. Infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, this vibrant recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, offering bold Italian flavors with minimal fuss. It’s a versatile and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Proteins
- Italian chicken sausage (mild or spicy) – 12 oz (about 3-4 links)
Vegetables
- Zucchini – 2 medium, sliced into half-moons
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved or Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/3 cup, roughly chopped
Pasta & Grains
- Penne or rigatoni pasta – 12 oz
Oils & Fats
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, plus more if needed
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh basil leaves – 1/4 cup, chopped
Cheese (Optional)
- Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and chop the zucchini into half-moons. Mince the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes or roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Zucchini and Garlic: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the zucchini slices until tender yet still crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Toss with Pasta and Finish: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and, if desired, grate Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
- Choose quality chicken sausage with authentic Italian seasonings for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook zucchini; keep it slightly firm to maintain texture.
- Reserve and use pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its vibrant aroma.
- Include tomatoes and basil for color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Italian chicken sausage pasta, zucchini pasta, quick Italian dinner, healthy pasta recipe, weeknight pasta, savory sausage pasta