Chicken Sausages With Zucchini, Tomatoes, And Pasta Recipe

Quick Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta Recipe

Crafting a delightful chicken sausages dish combines unexpected flavors and simple ingredients for a quick weeknight meal.

Mediterranean-inspired components dance together in this colorful plate.

Zucchini adds a fresh crunch that complements the savory sausage perfectly.

Tender pasta serves as an ideal canvas for robust seasonings and hearty proteins.

Fresh tomatoes burst with natural sweetness, creating depth in each bite.

Minimal preparation time means you can whip up this satisfying meal in less than thirty minutes.

Savor each forkful of this vibrant and nourishing dinner that promises to delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Crave Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

  • Perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, satisfying hungry families with minimal kitchen stress.
  • Loaded with zucchini and tomatoes, this recipe sneaks in fresh vegetables alongside protein-rich chicken sausages for a balanced, wholesome dish.
  • Minimal cleanup required with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal, saving time on cooking and washing dishes.
  • Easily adaptable recipe where home cooks can swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or add extra cheese to match personal taste preferences and pantry availability.

What Goes Into Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

Pasta and Protein:
  • Pasta: Starchy base that forms the foundation of the dish, perfect for absorbing flavors.
  • Chicken Sausages: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the meal.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Zucchini: Light vegetable that provides freshness and texture to the dish.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy element that adds bright color and acidic punch.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds deep, savory flavor base.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Oregano, Basil: Fresh herbs that contribute authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional garnish for added color and herbal brightness.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing and adding smooth flavor to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in pasta and cook following package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Sausage Slices

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chicken sausages and cook, rotating occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create Vegetable Melody

In the same skillet, sprinkle minced garlic and cook until aromatic. Add zucchini and sauté until slightly softened. Toss in:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir and cook until vegetables reach desired tenderness.

Step 4: Combine Flavor Layers

Introduce cooked pasta and sausage slices into the vegetable mixture. Gently toss to blend all ingredients and warm thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Enjoy immediately while hot and vibrant.

Kitchen Tips for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

  • Maximize Flavor Boost: Toast herbs briefly in the skillet before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper, richer flavors.
  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp zucchini for maximum taste and textural contrast in the final dish.
  • Prevent Soggy Pasta: Drain pasta when it's al dente and avoid overcooking to maintain a perfect texture that won't become mushy when mixed with vegetables.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken sausages with turkey sausages or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Control Seasoning Gradually: Add salt and herbs incrementally while cooking, tasting between additions to ensure balanced and personalized flavor profile.

Best Storage for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What Complements Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

  • Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the herb-infused chicken sausage and fresh vegetable notes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
  • Grab a crusty Italian or French baguette to soak up the delicious tomato and herb sauce, adding a satisfying textural contrast to the pasta dish.
  • Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the sausage and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
  • Prepare a quick medley of roasted bell peppers and asparagus to enhance the vegetable profile and add extra depth to the overall dining experience.

Tasty Variations for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini Pasta

  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken sausages with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, ensuring similar protein content and seasoning for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the dish's overall texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a lighter, vegetable-focused meal.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and provide additional richness to the original recipe.
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Chicken Sausages With Zucchini, Tomatoes, And Pasta Recipe

Chicken Sausages With Zucchini, Tomatoes, And Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouth-watering chicken sausage pasta brings Italian countryside comfort to dinner tables. Zucchini, ripe tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned sausages create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken sausages, sliced (Italian-flavored or your preferred type)

Pasta and Vegetables:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 pint (10 ounces) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot and submerge the pasta, cooking until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve the pasta, allowing it to rest momentarily.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce the chicken sausages, rotating periodically to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior. This process typically requires 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a cutting board and slice them into convenient bite-sized segments.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to awaken the minced garlic, stirring for approximately one minute until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen. Incorporate zucchini slices, allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize over 3-4 minutes.
  4. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkling oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the vegetable medley. Gently stir and let the ingredients meld together, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes become tender and the zucchini reaches a delicate consistency.
  5. Merge the reserved pasta and sliced chicken sausages into the vegetable mixture. Thoroughly toss the components, ensuring even distribution and complete warming. Taste and refine the seasoning with additional herbs, salt, or pepper as needed.
  6. Transfer the vibrant dish to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil to elevate both visual appeal and flavor profile. Serve immediately while the meal remains piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish more diet-friendly for those with specific nutritional needs.
  • Cut sausages diagonally for more appealing presentation and ensure even cooking throughout the pieces.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and minimize additional oil requirements during cooking process.
  • Grate some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and richness, which complements the savory chicken sausages perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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