This Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta is a yummy treat featuring juicy chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and sweet tomatoes. It’s a colorful dish that’s ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni because its ridges hold onto the sauce nicely. However, any pasta works! Try penne, farfalle, or spaghetti if you have those on hand.
Chicken Sausage: Chicken sausage is lean and adds great flavor. If you can’t find it, turkey sausage or even Italian sausage works well too! For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a wonderful texture. You can swap it out for other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Each brings a different taste but will fit right into this dish!
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and burst in the pan. If you have larger tomatoes, just dice them up instead. Canned tomatoes can also work in a pinch, just drain excess liquid.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor. In a pinch, you can use pecorino or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you need it.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Sausage?
Cooking chicken sausage to perfection is easy if you follow a few steps. The goal is to ensure it’s browned on the outside and juicy inside.
- Start with a medium-high heat to properly sear the sausage. This gives it that nice color.
- Slice the sausage into bite-size pieces for even cooking. Avoid crowding the pan as it prevents browning.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, so all sides get that lovely golden exterior.
- If unsure, slice one open to check that it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
Getting the chicken sausage right sets the tone for the entire dish, so take your time with this step!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rigatoni or your preferred pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Sausage Pasta takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll need approximately 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and another 15 minutes to cook everything to perfection. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your rigatoni or chosen pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Sautéing the Chicken Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once it’s ready, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the zucchini slices. Sauté them until they’re tender and slightly browned, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the tomatoes start to soften and burst, about 3 minutes. If you like a little kick, now is the time to sprinkle in the red pepper flakes!
4. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet and give it a good stir to mix with the veggies. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh herbs. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Everything should come together beautifully!
6. Serving:
Serve the pasta immediately, topping each plate with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that lovely finishing touch.
Enjoy your flavorful, colorful, and easy pasta dish with family or friends!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is recommended for its ability to hold sauce, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just follow the cooking time on the package!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarain?
Yes, definitely! You can substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and use mushrooms or chickpeas for added protein. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This pasta dish is filling enough on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine would also complement the flavors beautifully!
