Name: Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like comfort food but also makes you feel like you’re eating something fresh and light? Say hello to Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta! This dish is a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and satisfying. The juicy chicken sausages pair beautifully with tender zucchini, sweet tomatoes, and al dente pasta, creating a one-pan wonder that’s both easy to make and totally delicious.

Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’ll become a go-to when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with all the good stuff—flavor, texture, and just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta

Simple & Quick:

This dish comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s also a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes to clean!

Healthy & Hearty:

Packed with veggies like zucchini and tomatoes, this dish is light yet filling. The chicken sausages add a savory protein punch, while the pasta ties everything together perfectly.

Flavorful:

The sausages bring so much flavor to the dish, and when combined with the fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, you’ll get a rich, satisfying meal without feeling weighed down.

Versatile:

You can easily customize this dish by swapping out the veggies, pasta, or sausage flavors to suit your taste. Add some spicy sausage for a kick, or swap zucchini for eggplant if you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile.

Crowd-Pleasing:

It’s one of those dishes that pleases everyone at the table. The flavors are approachable but still exciting, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Sausages: These are the base of the recipe, juicy and packed with flavor. You can use any flavor you like, but something with a bit of seasoning will really enhance the dish.

Zucchini: Fresh, tender zucchini adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a lovely crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Burst tomatoes add a pop of juiciness that balances out the savory sausages and makes the dish even more flavorful.
Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta! I love using penne or fusilli for this recipe because they hold onto the sauce beautifully, but any pasta will do.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausages and veggies.
Garlic: A must-have to add that wonderful depth of flavor.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant herbaceous note that ties everything together.

Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, if you like a spicy kick!
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan brings a nutty, salty richness that really elevates the dish.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right in! This dish is simple, quick, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will help create a delicious sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausages

While the pasta is cooking, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages (whole or sliced, depending on your preference) and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the zucchini and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, letting them soften and burst.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked sausages and add them back to the skillet with the zucchini and tomatoes. Toss everything together. If the mixture feels a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a light sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in fresh basil, red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Give everything a final toss, making sure the cheese melts into the pasta and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the dish warm with extra Parmesan on top and maybe a few more fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy the incredible balance of savory sausages, fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta!

How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s a classic side that pairs perfectly.

Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this hearty yet light meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers would make an excellent side to add more veggies to the meal.

Additional Tips

Use Any Sausage You Like: If you can’t find chicken sausage, turkey sausage or even regular pork sausage will work. You can also experiment with flavored sausages like apple or spicy Italian for extra flavor.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy sausage for a bit more heat.
Make It a One-Pot Meal: To simplify clean-up, you can cook the pasta directly in the skillet with the veggies and sausages, adding extra pasta cooking water as needed to cook the pasta through.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 (1 serving = about 1 1/2 cups)

Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 600mg

Total Carbohydrate: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 7g

Protein: 28g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 15%
Iron: 15%

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact measurements and ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken sausage with turkey, pork, or even vegetarian sausages. Just adjust the cooking time if needed based on your choice.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or farfalle all work great in this dish.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra olive oil or pasta water to keep it moist.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: While the pasta may not hold up well to freezing, you can freeze the sausage and veggie mixture separately. Reheat and then toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I add cheese to the pasta mix?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a bit of mozzarella or more Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.

Q7: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Yes, just swap in gluten-free pasta for the regular pasta, and you’re good to go!

Q8: Can I add more vegetables?
A8: Yes, absolutely! Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to bulk it up even more and add extra flavor.

Q9: Can I make this spicier?
A9: If you like spice, throw in some red pepper flakes, or use a spicy sausage variety to turn up the heat!

Q10: How do I make this dish more filling?
A10: You could add a side of garlic bread or roasted potatoes for an even heartier meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. The juicy sausages, fresh veggies, and pasta come together in the most delightful way, making this dish perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. The best part? It’s easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy every bite!

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta