This easy chicken sausage pasta dish is a winner! It’s made with tasty chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed together for a simple meal.
Cooking this pasta is a breeze! I love how the veggies add a pop of color. Plus, my family gobbles it up! It’s like a hug in a bowl—comforting and delicious! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: While rigatoni works great here, feel free to swap it for other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent alternatives too!
Chicken Sausage: My favorite is the Italian-style chicken sausage. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try turkey sausage instead. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty bite.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find it, yellow squash works well too. For a different flavor, consider bell peppers or spinach.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes if cherry ones aren’t available. Sun-dried tomatoes can add a unique taste.
Parmesan Cheese: I love freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor! If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Sausage?
Getting your chicken sausage just right makes a difference in this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Be sure it’s hot before adding the sausage for a nice sear.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown the pieces evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re nicely browned on all sides.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed! This helps them brown better instead of steaming.
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare! You will spend a few minutes cooking the pasta and then another 10-15 minutes bringing all the flavors together in the skillet. It’s quick and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and then drain the pasta in a colander.
2. Cooking the Chicken Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet, cooking it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes tender and slightly browned. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to blister and soften.
4. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together gently until well combined, ensuring the sauce clings nicely to the pasta.
5. Seasoning and Serving:
Season your pasta dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley for some fresh flavor. Serve your pasta warm, with extra grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for that finishing touch.
Enjoy this flavorful and quick chicken sausage pasta with fresh zucchini and tomatoes—it’s a delicious meal the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just cook it according to the package instructions, as cooking times may vary.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! You can enhance your dish by adding other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Sausage?
If you’re looking for a different option, turkey sausage works well. For a vegetarian version, try using mushrooms or a plant-based sausage to maintain the savory flavor!
