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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is the kind of one-pot wonder that transforms a few humble ingredients into a meal bursting with sunshine. Think juicy chicken sausages, fresh zucchini, sweet tomatoes, and hearty pasta all simmered together in a cozy sauce. It is the perfect recipe for busy nights or when you really need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first made this on a hot July evening when we had too many garden zucchini and not much time. By the end of dinner everyone wanted seconds and my kitchen still looked clean.
Ingredients
- Chicken sausages: provide lean protein and bold flavor look for ones with natural casings and minimal fillers
- Olive oil: brings out the flavor in the vegetables and helps with browning select extra virgin for best results
- Zucchini: offers a mild sweetness and silkiness in the sauce pick smaller ones for tender texture
- Cherry tomatoes: burst with juicy flavor and vivid color choose ripe firm tomatoes for best taste
- Garlic: adds aromatic depth fresh cloves make a big difference
- Onion: builds the flavor foundation yellow or sweet onions work nicely
- Dried Italian herbs: lend that classic Mediterranean essence use fresh oregano or basil if you have them
- Red pepper flakes: give gentle heat completely optional
- Pasta: soaks up the sauce penne or fusilli hold flavors well use a quality brand for best bite
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth: infuses the pasta with savory taste choose low sodium if you want to control salt
- Salt and black pepper: essential for good flavor taste as you cook
- Grated Parmesan cheese: lends a salty creamy finish fresh grated cheese works best
- Fresh basil or parsley: gives a fresh pop of color and herbal lift
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken Sausages:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat add sliced chicken sausages and let them brown for seven minutes the sausages should be deeply golden and slightly crisp this step draws out the full savory flavor and gives the dish its heartiness
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot stir until you smell the sweet aroma about two minutes then add zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes cook until the zucchini just starts to soften and the tomatoes release their juices you will see the pot becoming colorful and fragrant
- Add Pasta and Broth:
- Stir in the dry pasta Italian herbs red pepper flakes and pour in the broth make sure the pasta is mostly covered by liquid season with salt and pepper bring everything to a gentle boil this stage sets up all the ingredients to cook together in harmony
- Simmer Until Tender:
- Lower the heat cover and simmer for thirteen minutes stir every few minutes to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom the pasta will swell as it absorbs the broth and the vegetables will break down into a beautiful rustic sauce
- Finish and Serve:
- Check that the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed turn off the heat stir in Parmesan cheese if using garnish with fresh basil or parsley serve family style straight from the pot for the coziest experience
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My favorite part about this recipe is the way the cherry tomatoes melt into the sauce creating bright bursts of flavor in every bite. One summer my family ate this three times in a single week because everyone kept sneaking leftovers for lunch.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce. This dish also freezes well but the pasta softens a bit after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage work beautifully if you prefer a different protein. Any medium pasta shape will do. Try diced bell peppers or spinach if you want even more veggies. Use pecorino or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a different spin.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce. Add a green salad on the side for a lighter meal. This is also delicious topped with a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of extra olive oil.
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Cultural Inspiration
This meal brings in flavors you might find in Southern Italian kitchens where garden vegetables and rustic sausages are often combined with pasta. It is an easy way to channel Mediterranean comfort and simplicity any night of the week.
Common Queries
- → Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! Swap chicken sausages for turkey, pork, or even a vegetarian variety to suit your preferences.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and fusilli are great choices since their shape holds sauce well, but any short pasta will do nicely.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausages and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep the flavors rich and savory.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
Yes, this meal reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in the fridge and revive with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- → What other vegetables could I add?
Bell peppers, spinach, or eggplant all blend perfectly for added texture and color. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there is enough broth to keep the pasta submerged as it cooks.