Chicken Sausages and Zucchini

This hearty chicken sausage pasta has become my weeknight salvation when I need something satisfying that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory sausages with fresh vegetables creates a balanced one-pan meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for busy evenings.

I developed this recipe during a particularly chaotic month when my family needed quick but nourishing meals. What started as a fridge-clearing exercise has become one of our most requested dinners, especially when we have unexpected dinner guests.

Ingredients

• Chicken sausages: Bring lean protein and rich flavor without requiring extensive cooking time
• Zucchini: Adds a pleasant texture and subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements
• Cherry tomatoes: Burst during cooking creating an instant light sauce without added ingredients
• Pasta of your choice: Allows personalization, look for bronze die extruded varieties for better sauce adherence
• Dried herbs: Infuse the dish with aromatic flavors that taste like they've been simmering for hours
• Chicken broth: Creates a light sauce that brings everything together without heaviness
• Parmesan cheese: Adds the perfect finishing touch with its salty umami notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Sausages:

Combine olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your chicken sausages in this aromatic mixture ensuring each sausage is evenly coated. This seasoning blend creates a flavorful exterior that will develop beautiful caramelization when cooked.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea; this properly seasons the pasta from within. Cook your pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions suggest. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, which can help thin your sauce if needed later.

Sear the Sausages:

Heat a large skillet until it's properly hot before adding your seasoned sausages. Allow them to develop a deep golden crust by cooking undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes before turning. This patience creates the foundational flavor for the entire dish. Once browned on all sides, remove them temporarily.

Create the Vegetable Base:

Using the same flavor-rich skillet, sweat the diced onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and aromatic, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add your sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their juices. The tomatoes will gradually burst, creating a natural sauce base.

Bring Everything Together:

Return the seared sausages to the pan alongside your perfectly cooked pasta. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with dried basil. Gently fold everything together, allowing each component to maintain its integrity while absorbing the developing flavors.

Final Simmer:

Reduce the heat to create a gentle simmer, allowing all the ingredients to mingle and develop deeper flavor connections. This brief 5 to 10 minute rest period is essential for flavor development. Taste and adjust seasonings before finishing with freshly grated Parmesan.

Pin it

The dried basil is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance one evening when I thought I could skip it to save time. The difference was remarkable and since then I keep a supply of quality dried herbs specifically for this dish. They bloom beautifully in the hot oil bringing aromatic compounds that make this simple dish taste like it took hours.

Perfect Pasta Selection

While this recipe works with virtually any pasta shape, certain varieties truly elevate the final dish. Medium shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli capture the perfect amount of sauce and small vegetable pieces in their crevices. For a more elegant presentation, consider orecchiette, which cradles the small tomato pieces beautifully, or farfalle, which adds visual interest. Whole wheat or legume-based pastas add nutritional benefits while contributing a pleasant nutty flavor that complements the vegetables wonderfully.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken sausage pasta transforms beautifully as leftovers, making it ideal for planned meal prepping. Prepare the entire dish up to three days ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce, which naturally thickens when chilled. For best results, warm gently over medium-low heat rather than using a microwave, which can make the pasta texture uneven. Fresh herbs and additional Parmesan added after reheating will brighten the flavors.

Seasonal Variations

Summer version: Replace zucchini with yellow squash and add fresh corn kernels and basil

Fall adaptation: Incorporate diced butternut squash and substitute sage for the basil

Winter comfort: Stir in wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh

Spring freshness: Add asparagus tips, peas, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the finish

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of sausages?

Yes, you can substitute chicken sausages with pork, turkey, or plant-based sausages depending on your preference.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti will work well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking.

→ What can I use instead of chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even pasta water to keep the dish flavorful.