This Quick Chicken Sausage Pasta is a colorful dish filled with tasty zucchini and juicy tomatoes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty yet simple!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just cook the sausage, toss in the veggies, and mix with pasta. Dinner in no time—what’s not to love? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rigatoni or penne for their ability to hold sauce well. You can easily swap it for gluten-free pasta or whole wheat if that’s your preference.
Chicken Sausage: Chicken sausage adds great flavor without extra fat. You can replace it with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a nice crunch. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash or bell peppers work well as alternatives.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness. If out of season, use canned diced tomatoes. Drain them before adding to the skillet.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables is key to enhancing their flavor. Here’s how to do it like a pro!
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding oil to prevent sticking.
- Always use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan; one tablespoon is usually a good start.
- Add garlic first, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn—keep it to about 30 seconds!
- After adding zucchini, stir occasionally and let them brown lightly for that delicious flavor—about 5 minutes will do.
- Finally, add tomatoes last, as they cook quickly—just 2-3 minutes until softened.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly sautéed veggies every time!
Quick Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Chicken Sausage: 3 chicken sausage links (about 12 oz), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Zucchini: 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or whole if small
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Spice: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Herbs: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Cheese: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 15-20 minutes sautéing the sausage and veggies. Before you know it, a fresh and hearty meal will be on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil and then add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Garlic and Zucchini:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 30 seconds until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma. Next, add the sliced zucchinis to the skillet and cook them for about 5 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to add a splash of color and flavor! Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. These will add a fantastic freshness to the dish.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the browned chicken sausage back to the skillet, stirring everything together to blend the flavors. Then, add your drained pasta and toss it all together. If the mixture looks a bit dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Season and Garnish:
Time to bring in some flavor! Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Fold in the chopped parsley and then finish it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good mix to coat everything.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Dish up your vibrant Quick Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes immediately! Feel free to add extra Parmesan and parsley on top for that perfect finish. Enjoy your meal!
This recipe is as delightful as it is easy to make, filled with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Quick Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne works great, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Substitute the Chicken Sausage?
Yes, you can! Turkey sausage or Italian sausage are fantastic alternatives. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
What Vegetables Can I Use Instead of Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, yellow squash, bell peppers, or spinach are great substitutes! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for softer vegetables like spinach.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. You can add a splash of water or extra olive oil to help revive the pasta if it looks dry!
