If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that perfectly balances wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe fits the bill wonderfully. It shines with juicy Italian-style chicken sausages paired with tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious broth. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a colorful, comforting plate that comes together quickly — perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients each playing a crucial role in bringing out the best in this dish. From the savory chicken sausages to the bright acidity of lemon juice, every item adds depth, texture, or a pop of color that makes every bite exciting.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausages perfectly.
- Italian-style chicken sausages: The star protein, flavored with herbs and spices to infuse the dish with hearty aroma.
- Diced onion: Builds a sweet and savory base when sautéed.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Minced garlic: Offers an irresistible fragrant punch that awakens the taste buds.
- Crushed red pepper (optional): Provides a mild heat, adjusting the spice level to your preference.
- Chicken broth: Creates a rich cooking liquid that transforms into a flavorful sauce for the pasta.
- Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta): Its ridged shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- Chopped zucchini: Adds a tender texture and a fresh, garden-like flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a zesty tang.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish that melts into the pasta.
- Grape tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and juiciness, balancing savory elements.
- Fresh basil: Offers herbal freshness and a fragrant aroma as a finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausages and Onions
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and diced onions, allowing the sausages to brown beautifully and the onions to become tender and aromatic. This step develops a savory foundation that will infuse every bite with rich flavor.
Step 2: Add Flavors and Broth
Next, sprinkle in the salt, crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat, and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic releases its intoxicating aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; those bits carry so much flavor and will enrich the broth wonderfully. Bring this mixture to a gently rolling boil.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Broth
Once boiling, add the uncooked Radiatore pasta directly to the broth. Keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender. This technique lets the pasta absorb all the savory goodness from the broth, making every forkful bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Zucchini
Stir in the chopped zucchini to the nearly cooked pasta and broth. Let it simmer together for 3 more minutes, just enough for the zucchini to soften while retaining a pleasant bite. At the same time, most of the chicken broth will absorb, creating a luscious sauce coating the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Finish with Brightness and Cheese
Finally, stir in fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese, and halved grape tomatoes. The lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish, while the Parmesan melts into a creamy, satisfying finish. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil and the remaining Parmesan over the top just before serving to infuse herbal freshness and a lovely cheesy crust.
How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese create the perfect garnishes, adding a burst of color and enhancing the aroma. You can also drizzle a little more olive oil for a glossy finish or add toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch that balances the tender pasta and veggies beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements it wonderfully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs fabulously, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve this pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the zucchini and tomatoes. Garnish with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge on the side for diners to squeeze fresh juice as they wish. For casual meals, scoop it into individual ramekins topped with Parmesan broiled for a minute for a bubbly, cheesy crust finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even more satisfying next-day meal. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze before adding fresh tomatoes and basil, as their texture changes after thawing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure even warmth without drying out the pasta or sausages.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian-style chicken sausages bring a mild and herby flavor, you can swap in pork, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages based on your preference. Just be mindful of cooking times and seasonings since different sausages vary in flavor intensity.
What kind of pasta works best?
Radiatore pasta is perfect for this recipe because its ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, but any small pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work just fine. Choose something that can easily scoop up the zucchini and tomato pieces.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausages and boost the flavor with extra garlic, herbs, and perhaps some sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. The zucchini, tomatoes, and broth will still deliver a delicious, comforting pasta dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes as optional, so the heat level is entirely up to you. You can omit them for a milder dish or add more if you enjoy a little kick. Balancing spice with the zesty lemon juice and sweet tomatoes creates a perfect harmony.
How long does the dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe takes about 25 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a reliable, delicious recipe to your weeknight dinner rotation, this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe is a true winner. It combines vibrant colors, a satisfying mix of textures, and bright, balanced flavors that will make you feel like you just stepped out of a cozy trattoria. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the simplicity and joy it brings to your table!
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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This quick and flavorful Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta dish combines tender Italian-style chicken sausages with fresh vegetables and pasta in a savory chicken broth. Finished with lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, it’s a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- â…“ cup chopped fresh basil
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Season the sausages and onions with salt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked Radiatore pasta directly to the boiling broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is mostly tender but still slightly firm.
- Add Zucchini: Stir in the chopped zucchini and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the zucchini is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
- Finish Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and the halved grape tomatoes. Mix well to combine. Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh basil and the remaining Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken sausages with turkey or pork sausages if preferred.
- Use any small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or orecchiette instead of Radiatore.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes amount or omit to control the spice level.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when finishing the dish.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
