Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The juicy, savory chicken sausages pair wonderfully with the tender zucchini and sweet, slightly tangy cherry tomatoes. The garlic and oregano bring a Mediterranean flair, and the pasta ties everything together in a satisfying way. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s customizable and can easily be made with what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 chicken sausages
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2 medium zucchinis, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
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Fresh basil, for garnish
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Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
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Return the sliced chicken sausages to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use different sausages: Swap out the chicken sausages for turkey or pork sausages if preferred.
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Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
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Spicy twist: Add some red pepper flakes to the vegetables for a bit of heat.
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Vegan option: Replace the chicken sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives and skip the Parmesan for a vegan-friendly meal.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap the chicken sausages for turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausages for a different flavor profile.
What type of pasta should I use for this dish?
Penne or fusilli work great for this recipe, but you can also use spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer.
How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy zucchini, sauté it just until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooking can cause it to lose its texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components (sausage, veggies, and pasta) ahead of time and then toss them together just before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes while cooking the zucchini and tomatoes or even use spicy sausages for an added kick.
Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes can work in this recipe, but fresh cherry tomatoes offer a better texture and flavor. If using canned, try to use whole tomatoes and break them apart during cooking.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can serve this dish with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal: quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The juicy sausages, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta recipe combines juicy chicken sausages, tender zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired, comforting, and fresh dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 chicken sausages
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Return the sliced chicken sausages to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes to the vegetables.
- For a vegan version, replace the chicken sausages with plant-based alternatives and omit the Parmesan.
- This dish can be made ahead by preparing the components separately and combining them when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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