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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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