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
Scale
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.
Notes
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.
