Description
Craving a hearty, wholesome dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in under 40 minutes? Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is the perfect solution! This vibrant dish combines juicy chicken sausages, tender pasta, and fresh veggies in a savory, garlicky sauce, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan for that extra touch of deliciousness
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful, balanced meal. Each component is key to building the dish’s vibrant taste and texture. Here’s the list, with why each matters and substitution ideas.
For the Chicken Sausages:
- Chicken Sausages (4): The protein star.
- Why it’s important: Pre-cooked sausages add savory, smoky flavor and cook quickly for an easy meal.
- Substitutions: Use turkey sausages, Italian sausages, or plant-based sausages for a vegetarian option.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For coating and searing.
- Why it’s important: It helps the spices stick to the sausages and creates a crispy, golden exterior.
- Substitutions: Use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky warmth.
- Why it’s important: Enhances the sausages with a subtle, smoky depth.
- Substitutions: Try smoked paprika for more intensity or chili powder for a slight kick.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory flavor.
- Why it’s important: Adds a mild garlic note that complements the fresh garlic in the veggies.
- Substitutions: Use onion powder or fresh minced garlic (1 clove).
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, herbaceous flavor.
- Why it’s important: Gives the sausages a classic Italian-inspired taste.
- Substitutions: Use dried basil, Italian seasoning, or fresh oregano (2 teaspoons).
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances flavors.
- Why it’s important: Seasons the sausages to bring out their natural taste.
- Substitutions: Use sea salt or kosher salt, or add a pinch of garlic salt for extra flavor.
For the Pasta:
- Pasta (8 ounces, any shape): The hearty base.
- Why it’s important: Absorbs the broth and flavors, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- Substitutions: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing veggies.
- Why it’s important: Prevents sticking and adds richness to the vegetables.
- Substitutions: Use avocado oil, butter, or vegetable oil.
- Onion (1, diced): Adds savory depth.
- Why it’s important: Creates a flavorful base for the dish with a subtle sweetness when cooked.
- Substitutions: Use shallots, red onion, or green onions for a milder flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic punch.
- Why it’s important: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with bold, savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder or pre-minced garlic in a pinch.
- Zucchinis (2, sliced): Adds tender, fresh texture.
- Why it’s important: Provides a mild, slightly sweet veggie component that pairs well with the sausages.
- Substitutions: Use yellow squash, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Adds sweet, juicy bursts.
- Why it’s important: Their bright flavor balances the richness of the sausages and pasta.
- Substitutions: Use grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or canned diced tomatoes (drained).
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Creates a light sauce.
- Why it’s important: Adds moisture and savory flavor to tie the dish together.
- Substitutions: Use vegetable broth, beef broth, or water with a bouillon cube.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Adds herbaceous flavor.
- Why it’s important: Complements the oregano and enhances the Italian vibe.
- Substitutions: Use fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped), dried Italian seasoning, or parsley.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all flavors.
- Why it’s important: Brings out the best in the veggies and pasta.
- Substitutions: Use sea salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): Adds a cheesy finish.
- Why it’s important: Provides a nutty, salty topping that elevates the dish.
- Substitutions: Use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Pro Tip: Choose pre-cooked chicken sausages for faster prep, and pick a pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle that holds onto the sauce well.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Sausages:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss 4 chicken sausages in the mixture until well coated. Set aside.
- Tip: Let the sausages sit in the seasoning for 5–10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Tip: Reserve ½ cup pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Sear the Chicken Sausages:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken sausages and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and heated through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Tip: If using raw sausages, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Slice after cooking for easier eating, if desired.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add 2 sliced zucchinis and 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Tip: Don’t overcook the zucchini—it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Return the chicken sausages to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked pasta, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Tip: If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth.
- Simmer and Serve:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Tip: Serve in shallow bowls to show off the colorful veggies and sausages.
Cooking Tip: Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and enough space to toss everything together. If your skillet is small, work in batches for the sausages.