Name: Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced; 1 cup diced onion; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for a kick); 4 cups chicken broth; 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta like penne or shells); 2 cups chopped zucchini; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

A Fresh and Flavorful One-Pot Wonder! 🍝🌿

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet bursts with flavor, look no further than Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta. This dish is a colorful medley of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and cheesy goodness — all brought together in a single skillet. The addition of lemon juice and basil gives it a bright, refreshing twist, while the Parmesan ties everything together with a creamy, savory finish.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving a wholesome, home-cooked meal without a mountain of dirty dishes. Plus, it’s versatile — you can play with the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Let’s dive into this hearty, satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

1 tsp olive oil
12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
1 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for a kick)

4 cups chicken broth
8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta like penne or shells)
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the Sausages and Onion

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken sausages and diced onion. Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper

Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper (if using), and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir constantly for 1 minute. The aroma will bloom quickly — be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Pasta

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan — this adds depth to your sauce. Stir in the 8 oz of pasta. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be nearly cooked, soaking up the broth and releasing starch that thickens the sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Zucchini

Add the 2 cups of chopped zucchini to the pan. Stir everything well, then cover again and cook for another 5 minutes. The zucchini should become tender but still retain a bit of bite.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and forms a creamy, rich sauce. The lemon juice brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness perfectly.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Basil

Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes and 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes — just enough to warm the tomatoes without making them mushy.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad if desired.

Variation:

Pasta: Try using penne, fusilli, or farfalle instead of Radiatore.

Sausage swap: Use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a Parmesan-Reggiano blend for a sharper flavor.

Creamy boost: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

Cooking Note:

This dish is best cooked and served fresh, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid if stored for too long. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Make sure to use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned pan to avoid sticking, especially during the pasta cooking phase.

Serving Suggestions:

Main Dish: Serve as a complete meal in bowls with a sprinkling of extra basil.
Side Pairings:
- Garlic bread or herbed focaccia
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli

Drinks:
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced herbal tea
- For a mocktail, try cucumber-mint lemonade

Tips:

Cut all ingredients ahead to speed up cooking time.
Use pre-cooked chicken sausage for ease and safety.

If the pasta absorbs too much broth, add ¼ cup more broth during the simmer.
Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference — avoid bottled.
For a low-sodium version, use unsalted broth and reduce added salt.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 servings total):

Calories: ~460 kcal
Protein: ~26g
Sodium: ~720mg

(Note: Nutrition varies slightly based on pasta type and sausage brand.)

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different kind of sausage?
A: Absolutely. You can use turkey sausage, beef sausage, or plant-based options. Just ensure they are pre-cooked.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish can be frozen, but the pasta may become a bit soft. Reheat gently with added broth.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A: Use 1 teaspoon of dried basil or swap with parsley or oregano.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.

Conclusion:

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta is the kind of one-pan meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, delicious, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients like fresh zucchini, lean chicken sausage, and tomatoes. The lemony Parmesan sauce brings everything together into a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

So the next time you’re wondering what to cook that’s easy, satisfying, and packed with nutrients — this dish has you covered. Your family will love it, your kitchen will stay tidy, and your belly will be full and happy. Enjoy! 🍝✨

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 tsp olive oil
12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
1 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for a kick)

4 cups chicken broth
8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta like penne or shells)
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions