Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta

This dish feels like a warm embrace on a bustling evening when time is short but cravings run deep. Combining tender pasta with savory chicken sausages, crisp zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes, every forkful sings with vibrant color and hearty flavor. It is a beginner-friendly Italian recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it the ultimate quick dinner or bright lunch. As the ingredients mingle, you’ll notice how the dried Italian herbs and garlic add a rustic charm, while a hint of red pepper flakes can awaken your taste buds if you’re in the mood for a gentle kick. With only a handful of pantry staples, this recipe transforms your kitchen into a little corner of Italy—no fancy gadgets required.

What makes this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta truly special is its effortless versatility and balanced nutrition. Each serving clocks in at around 450 calories, so you can feel good about indulging in its comforting warmth. One skillet and one pot mean minimal cleanup, and the vibrant medley of colors—emerald green zucchini, ruby-red tomatoes, golden sausage slices—brighten your plate in an instant. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend lunches, this dish is proof that simple ingredients, handled with loving care, can become something extraordinary. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and let’s turn humble staples into a memorable meal that everyone will ask you to make again.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN SAUSAGES WITH ZUCCHINI, TOMATOES, AND PASTA

Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s talk about the star players in this vibrant skillet meal. Each ingredient brings its own unique personality, coming together to create a dish that is balanced, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base, absorbing the juices and creating a comforting texture that holds the sausage and vegetable medley.
• Olive oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium, helping to brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables without sticking.
• Chicken sausages: Add lean protein and savory depth, releasing flavorful juices as they brown.
• Zucchini: Brings a tender, slightly sweet quality and a pop of green that complements the richer sausage.
• Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness and gentle acidity, cutting through the richness and brightening each bite.
• Garlic: Offers an aromatic, savory backbone that infuses the entire dish with warmth and complexity.
• Dried Italian herbs: Deliver an authentic Mediterranean flair, blending herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a true Italian essence.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect for those who crave a little heat and extra dimension.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance all other flavors.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts slightly when tossed in, coating the pasta with a nutty, salty finish.
• Fresh basil leaves: Add a final flourish of herbal brightness and color, making every plate look as good as it tastes.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN SAUSAGES WITH ZUCCHINI, TOMATOES, AND PASTA

Let’s bring these fresh ingredients together in one glorious skillet creation. You’ll move from pot to pan seamlessly as each component builds on the next, creating a harmonious blend of textures and aromas. Follow these steps closely for a perfect balance of juicy sausage bites, tender veggies, and al dente pasta.

1. Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a fierce boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Before you drain, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water using a ladle or heatproof measuring cup. Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slide in the sliced chicken sausages and let them brown, stirring occasionally so they cook through evenly—about 5–6 minutes. Once nicely seared, use a slotted spoon to set aside the sausages on a plate.

3. In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchinis and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the edges of the zucchini to soften and the tomatoes to caramelize slightly, releasing their juices.

4. Push the vegetables to one side and add the minced garlic into the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.

5. Return the browned chicken sausages to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything to combine, adding small splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it one final toss so that every strand and bite is coated in cheesy goodness.

7. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and herby freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN SAUSAGES WITH ZUCCHINI, TOMATOES, AND PASTA

When it comes to serving this dish, the presentation and complementary sides can elevate an already delightful meal into a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these suggestions will help you plate like a pro and accentuate all those lovely flavors.

• Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful mix of pasta, sausages, and vegetables, allowing diners to easily scoop up every delicious component.
• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to add a bright, refreshing contrast that balances the savory richness of the dish.
• Offer crusty artisan bread on the side for sopping up any leftover juices—there’s nothing better than catching those flavorful drips with warm, crisp slices.
• Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan for a glossy, gourmet touch that keeps the flavors vibrant and the textures silky.

HOW TO STORE CHICKEN SAUSAGES WITH ZUCCHINI, TOMATOES, AND PASTA

Storing your leftovers correctly ensures that this tasty meal remains fresh and flavorful for days to come. Whether you plan to enjoy it the next day or save portions for later in the week, following proper storage techniques will preserve texture, taste, and aroma.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the pasta from drying out.
• If you expect to keep leftovers for more than three days, consider freezing individual portions. Allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent sticking.
• To keep herbs vibrant, store any extra fresh basil separately in a small container or wrapped in a damp paper towel—toss the basil in just before serving to retain its bright color and flavor.

CONCLUSION

This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe offers a delightful blend of savory protein, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together by the enticing flavors of garlic, Italian herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. As a beginner-friendly, quick dinner or lunch option, it checks all the boxes: ready in just 35 minutes total, around 450 calories per serving, and requiring minimal cleanup. You’ve learned how each ingredient plays its part, from the vibrant cherry tomatoes that add a sweet pop to the chicken sausages that lend meaty depth, and discovered tips for serving, storing, and even reheating leftovers so every bite remains as satisfying as the first.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you can tuck it into your recipe binder, pin it on your kitchen board, or bookmark it on your device for easy access. You’ll also find a FAQ below that addresses common questions about ingredient swaps, cooking times, and possible variations. If you decide to try this recipe or put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your comments, questions, or any feedback—the kitchen is all about experimentation and joy, and I’m here to help you make every meal a winner!

Print Recipe

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Author: Rebecca Hughes Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This vibrant dish brings together savory chicken sausages, fresh zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all beautifully intertwined with pasta in a burst of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 chicken sausages, sliced

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausages from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and starting to caramelize.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet, along with dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Return the cooked chicken sausages to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything to incorporate the flavors evenly.
7. Serve the pasta dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of aromatic freshness.

Note

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
• This dish pairs well with a green salad or a crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: chicken sausages, zucchini, pasta, cherry tomatoes, Italian recipe, quick dinner