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
Scale
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
