The savory flavor of chicken sausage pairs perfectly with the freshness of zucchini and the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes in this easy-to-make pasta dish. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy evenings in. Everything comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, from the tender vegetables to the herbs and garlic. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil on top, and you’ve got yourself a beautifully balanced, colorful meal in under 30 minutes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 chicken sausages, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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250g penne or fusilli pasta
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.
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Add the minced garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes are slightly blistered.
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Season with oregano, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
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Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables and sausage. Cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavorful One-Pan Meal for Busy Weeknights
In the world of quick and satisfying meals, few dishes check as many boxes as a hearty pasta skillet packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and comforting flavors. Our Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when cooked thoughtfully, can come together to create a delicious and nourishing meal in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, a dish to impress dinner guests, or just something fresh and filling to enjoy with family, this recipe brings balance, flavor, and ease to your kitchen.
Why Chicken Sausages Are a Smart Choice
Chicken sausages have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Compared to traditional pork sausages, they’re typically lower in fat and calories, yet still packed with savory flavor thanks to added herbs and spices. They also tend to be more versatile, blending well into a wide range of dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
When sliced and seared in a hot skillet, chicken sausages develop a satisfying golden crust, adding both texture and depth to any recipe. In this dish, their mild spice complements the freshness of zucchini and the brightness of cherry tomatoes perfectly.
A Vegetable-Packed Pasta That Doesn’t Feel Like a “Health Food”
One of the best things about this dish is how it sneaks a generous serving of vegetables into every bite without feeling overly “healthy” or bland. Zucchini brings a soft, buttery texture and mild earthiness, while cherry tomatoes burst with sweet acidity when cooked. Together, they add both color and nutrition to your plate.
You can easily customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Bell peppers, spinach, kale, or mushrooms would all be excellent additions or substitutions. This flexibility makes the recipe ideal for those who like to cook with what’s fresh and available.
A Balanced Meal in a Single Skillet
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan meal fewer dishes to clean, faster prep, and all the flavors meld beautifully together. This recipe combines protein (chicken sausage), fiber and vitamins (vegetables), and carbohydrates (pasta) for a balanced meal that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
The use of penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni helps the sauce cling to every bite, but you can opt for whole wheat pasta for an added nutritional boost. Gluten-free pasta can also be substituted to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Another bonus? The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or spontaneous dinner plans. With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll have a filling, flavorful dinner ready in no time.
Flavor Enhancers and Add-Ons
This dish is a great canvas for creativity, allowing you to play with flavors depending on your preferences:
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Garlic & Herbs: Garlic is used generously to flavor the oil and infuse the vegetables and sausage. You can elevate the aroma with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano toward the end of cooking.
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Red Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes gives the dish a gentle kick that balances the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.
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Parmesan Cheese: While optional, freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and saltiness that ties the ingredients together beautifully.
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Lemon Zest: For a light and zesty finish, a little lemon zest or juice added just before serving brightens the entire dish.
Feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as crushed walnuts for crunch, olives for saltiness, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.
Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
This chicken sausage pasta is a well-rounded meal that provides:
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Protein: The chicken sausage offers a good amount of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and energy.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Zucchini and cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and potassium. These vegetables support immune health and heart function while contributing to your daily fiber intake.
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Complex Carbohydrates: Pasta provides sustained energy, especially when using whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
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Low Saturated Fat: Unlike cream-based pasta sauces, this dish relies on olive oil and natural juices from the vegetables for moisture, making it a heart-healthier option.
This recipe also aligns well with Mediterranean-style diets, which emphasize fresh vegetables, lean proteins, olive oil, and whole grains.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you love making meals in advance or having leftovers for lunch the next day, this dish is a dream. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
To maintain the texture of the vegetables, it’s best to store the pasta and the sausage-veggie mix separately if possible. That way, you can combine them fresh for each serving and enjoy the full range of flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While this dish stands on its own, you can serve it with:
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A crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
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Warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any juices.
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A chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs beautifully with the light yet savory flavors.
This is also a fantastic dish to serve family-style in a large bowl at the center of the table. The colorful mix of vegetables and sausage makes it visually appealing, while the taste ensures it disappears quickly.
A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Classic
This Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes is more than just a quick dinner it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, health-conscious friends, or just cooking for yourself, it hits the sweet spot between ease and elegance.
With its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and customizable nature, this recipe is a great addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It’s perfect for nights when you need something fast but don’t want to sacrifice quality or nutrition.
Conclusion:
In a busy world, finding recipes that are fast, flavorful, and wholesome can feel like hitting the jackpot. This dish checks all the boxes it’s quick to prepare, adaptable to your tastes, and full of vibrant colors and nutrients. The savory chicken sausage, paired with tender zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes, transforms a simple pasta meal into something memorable.
So the next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, remember this recipe. It’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly flexible a true kitchen staple you’ll come back to again and again.