Hello, food lovers! Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make? If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish with a twist, you’re in for a treat! This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect meal for the entire family. With vibrant vegetables, hearty chicken sausages, and tender pasta, this dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive right in!
Introduction
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of Italian flavors with a healthy twist. Packed with nutritious vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes, paired with savory chicken sausages, it’s a dish that is both satisfying and wholesome. This meal can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Plus, the addition of fresh basil and a hint of lemon juice gives it a refreshing, zesty finish that’s perfect for any time of year.
A personal tip: I first made this recipe when I was looking for a quick dinner that would also please the picky eaters in my house. To my surprise, everyone loved it, and it quickly became a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 cup diced onion
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta)
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
Feel free to substitute gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta:
- Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion, salt, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. If using, add the crushed red pepper and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Add the vegetables: Once the pasta is nearly cooked, add the chopped zucchini and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until tender.
- Combine everything: Stir in the lemon juice, half of the Parmesan cheese, grape tomatoes, and the cooked chicken sausages. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: To maintain a bit of crunch and prevent mushy zucchini, make sure to add it toward the end of the cooking process.
- Fresh is best: Use fresh basil and lemon juice for the brightest flavors. They add a lovely, fresh taste to this dish.
- Choose the right sausages: Italian-style chicken sausages work best for this recipe, as they add a nice blend of herbs and spices. However, feel free to experiment with different flavors based on your preferences.
Cooking Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, try roasting the tomatoes and zucchini before adding them to the pasta. This will bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the dish’s depth of flavor. You can also use a grill pan for the sausages to add a smoky taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is hearty enough to serve as a standalone dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or garlic bread. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the zesty lemon and fresh herbs beautifully.
If you’re looking to impress, serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information
This pasta dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Zucchini adds fiber and vitamins, while chicken sausages provide protein without being overly fatty.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 35%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
This recipe offers a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir gently until heated through.
If you have leftovers, you can transform them into a tasty pasta bake! Simply transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use turkey sausages instead of chicken sausages?
Yes! Turkey sausages make an excellent substitute and will provide a similar flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken sausages for a plant-based sausage or even chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for each type of veggie.
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Conclusion
Thank you for trying out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe! I hope it becomes a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your experience with this dish. Have you tried any variations? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy cooking!
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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Recipe
Description
Hello, food lovers! Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make? If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish with a twist, you’re in for a treat! This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect meal for the entire family. With vibrant vegetables, hearty chicken sausages, and tender pasta, this dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 cup diced onion
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta)
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
Feel free to substitute gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion, salt, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. If using, add the crushed red pepper and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Add the vegetables: Once the pasta is nearly cooked, add the chopped zucchini and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until tender.
- Combine everything: Stir in the lemon juice, half of the Parmesan cheese, grape tomatoes, and the cooked chicken sausages. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Don’t overcook the zucchini: To maintain a bit of crunch and prevent mushy zucchini, make sure to add it toward the end of the cooking process.
- Fresh is best: Use fresh basil and lemon juice for the brightest flavors. They add a lovely, fresh taste to this dish.
- Choose the right sausages: Italian-style chicken sausages work best for this recipe, as they add a nice blend of herbs and spices. However, feel free to experiment with different flavors based on your preferences.
