You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together, often using just one pan for the sauce and veggies after the pasta is cooked, making cleanup a breeze. It’s packed with flavor, combining the richness of the sausage with the freshness of summer vegetables for a truly satisfying meal the whole family will adore. If you love easy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy exploring other simple one-pot wonders like this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Ready to ditch the takeout menu? Try this incredible Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta tonight—you won’t believe how simple and delicious it is!

Ingredients

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1 lb Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or rotini work wonderfully as they catch the sauce and ingredients.

1 tbsp Olive Oil: Extra virgin preferred for flavor.
1 lb Chicken Sausage: Links, sliced into ½-inch rounds. For a flavor boost, use sweet or hot Italian chicken sausage.
1 medium Onion: Finely chopped.

3-4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
2 medium Zucchini: Trimmed and diced into ½-inch pieces.
1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained. Or use 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved.

½ cup Chicken Broth or Reserved Pasta Water: To create the sauce.
1 tsp Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: Or use fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.

½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Plus more for serving (optional).
(Optional) Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a lovely warmth if you like a little heat.

Universal Cooking Tips:

Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the ocean! This seasons the pasta from within. Proper seasoning at this stage is crucial for the overall flavor of your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta.
Reserve about a cup of starchy pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for creating a smooth, cohesive sauce. The starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Why? Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with the hot sauce later. Before draining, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sear the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Why? Searing develops a flavorful crust on the sausage through the Maillard reaction, adding depth to the dish. Remove the browned sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet (there should be enough rendered fat from the sausage; add a touch more olive oil only if necessary). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Why? Cooking the onion first softens it and releases its sweetness; adding garlic later prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.

Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until it’s tender-crisp. Why? You want the zucchini to be cooked through but still retain a slight bite, providing a pleasant texture contrast in the final Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), and the optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Why? Simmering allows the flavors of the tomatoes, herbs, and broth to meld together, creating a cohesive sauce base.
Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes for the sausage to heat through. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the sausage and vegetables. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Why? Tossing the pasta directly in the sauce ensures every piece is flavorful and well-coated. The reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce.

Add Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Taste the Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Serving Ideas

Serving your delicious Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is all about enhancing its fresh, savory flavors. Present it family-style in a large, rustic bowl or plate individual portions, ensuring each serving gets a generous mix of sausage, vibrant zucchini, and bright tomatoes nestled amongst the pasta. A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving not only adds a salty, nutty note but also looks incredibly inviting. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green color and extra freshness.

For pairings, you can’t go wrong with classic accompaniments. Offer warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta – it’s perfect for soaking up any remaining delicious sauce. A simple green salad, perhaps arugula or mixed greens tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta. This balances the meal beautifully, adding a crisp element. For more ideas on building balanced meals, check out these Mayo Clinic: Healthy Eating Tips. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir also complements the dish wonderfully.

FAQs

What type of chicken sausage is best for this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe?

You have great flexibility here! Pre-cooked Italian chicken sausage (either sweet or hot) is a fantastic choice as it comes packed with complementary herbs and spices. Plain chicken sausage also works well, allowing the other ingredients to shine. You could even use chicken and apple sausage for a slightly sweeter note, or a spicy andouille chicken sausage for a Cajun twist. Just ensure it’s cooked through; if using raw sausage, make sure to cook it completely in step 2 before proceeding.

Can I substitute other vegetables for the zucchini?

Absolutely! This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is very adaptable. Feel free to swap the zucchini for other vegetables like chopped bell peppers (any color), sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, asparagus spears (added towards the end of cooking), or even hearty greens like chopped spinach or kale (stirred in during the last few minutes until wilted). Adjust cooking times based on the vegetable’s density – heartier veggies like broccoli might need a bit longer.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Making a gluten-free version of Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is simple! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta variety for the traditional wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook it, as some gluten-free pastas can become mushy. Also, double-check that your chicken sausage brand is certified gluten-free, as some may contain fillers.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Leftover Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stopping to stir occasionally. The pasta texture might soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavors often meld nicely overnight.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! If you enjoy more heat in your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta, there are several ways to spice it up. Start by using a hot Italian chicken sausage. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes added along with the tomatoes and herbs. For even more kick, consider adding a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the onions, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust the spice level gradually to your preference.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work beautifully. Substitute about 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large, for the canned diced tomatoes. Add them to the skillet at the same time you would add the canned tomatoes (Step 5). They will break down slightly as they cook, creating a fresh, vibrant sauce for your Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta. You might need a bit more broth or pasta water as fresh tomatoes release less liquid than canned. For precise nutritional information on ingredients like fresh tomatoes, you can reference resources like the USDA Food Composition Database.

Conclusion

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This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in a truly satisfying way. It proves that you don’t need complex techniques or hours in the kitchen to create something delicious and wholesome. The savory chicken sausage, tender vegetables, and perfectly coated pasta offer a balanced and flavorful experience that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and consistently delightful – exactly what you need after a busy day. If you enjoyed the combination of chicken and pasta here, you might also love the flavors in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta.

Pro Tips:

For extra creaminess without heavy cream, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese along with the Parmesan at the end. It melts beautifully into the sauce.
For a touch of elegance and nutty crunch, toast some pine nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant and sprinkle them over the finished dish before serving.

This base recipe for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is fantastic as is, but feel free to experiment! Try adding a handful of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking until it wilts. Swap the zucchini for chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for a different veggie profile. Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular adds a lovely smoky dimension. Enjoy making it your own!

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Print Recipe

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is a colorful, hearty, and easy weeknight dinner that combines juicy chicken sausage, fresh veggies, and tender pasta in a single skillet meal.

Author: Kiera

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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8 oz penne or pasta of choice
1 tablespoon olive oil

4 chicken sausages, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender.