Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-American pasta dish featuring savory chicken sausages, fresh zucchini, and juicy tomatoes tossed together with penne or rotini pasta. This one-pan stovetop meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
- Brown the chicken sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until tender. Stir in the minced garlic, halved tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Toss pasta with the sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add cheese and garnish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to incorporate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use either spicy or sweet chicken sausages depending on your taste preference.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- For added greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end of cooking.
