This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a quick and tasty dinner! With juicy chicken sausage and fresh zucchini, it’s a colorful and healthy choice for the whole family.
I love how the zucchini adds a nice crunch, and it makes me feel a bit fancy, too! 🍝 Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.
You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something yummy without the fuss. Enjoy your pasta perfection!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni for their perfect shape, which holds sauce well. If you’re avoiding gluten, any gluten-free pasta will work too! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Chicken sausage: I typically go for Italian chicken sausage for its flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, turkey sausage is a great substitute. Make sure it’s pre-cooked or check that raw sausages are fully cooked before eating.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds color and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, bell peppers or asparagus are tasty alternatives! They’ll give a nice crunch as well.
Parmesan cheese: I like using grated Parmesan for a salty finish. If you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant, nutritional yeast can be a great cheese alternative.
Cherry tomatoes: These add sweetness and freshness but are optional. Use any seasonal veggies like bell peppers, or even spinach, for added color and nutrition.
How Do I Get the Chicken Sausage Perfectly Cooked?
Getting tasty chicken sausage requires a few steps to ensure it’s cooked just right. Here’s what to do:
- Start with a hot skillet and medium heat, adding olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the sausage slices for about 5-7 minutes until browned; this brings out their flavor.
- If using raw sausage, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
These steps help create a wonderful sear, which adds deliciousness to your dish!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Stays Crisp?
To keep zucchini crisp while ensuring it cooks well, follow these tips:
- Cut zucchini into uniform pieces for even cooking. Half-moons or cubes work well.
- Add them to the skillet after the garlic, letting them cook for just 4-5 minutes. You want them tender, yet firm.
- Avoid overcooking! Once they turn bright green and soften slightly, they are done.
Cooking them for the right amount of time will give you that delightful crunch!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced (Italian style, pre-cooked or raw)
Veggies and Seasonings:
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced or sliced into half-moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Creamy Option:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Liquid:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta cooking water
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes to whip up this delicious dish! It includes time to boil the pasta, cook the sausage, and sautĂ© the veggies. In just half an hour, you can create a mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Remember to save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook it for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Once done, take it out of the skillet and set aside for later.
3. Add Garlic and Zucchini:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sautĂ© it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the diced zucchini (and cherry tomatoes, if you’re using them) and cook for about 4-5 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but still a bit crisp—add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth or the reserved pasta water to help mix all the flavors together.
5. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the tasty mix.
6. Make it Creamy (Optional):
If you want a creamy version, gently stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Final Touches:
Off the heat, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and give everything a good toss to combine once more. The cheese will melt into the warm pasta, adding a wonderful flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your pasta with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Dig in and enjoy your delightful Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While I recommend Italian chicken sausage for its flavor, you can use turkey sausage or even beef sausage as substitutes. Just ensure they are fully cooked if using raw sausage.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or simply add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Zucchini?
To keep zucchini crisp, cook them just until they are tender but still have a slight crunch—about 4-5 minutes should do it! Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
