This yummy chicken sausage pasta is a quick meal packed with fresh zucchini and juicy tomatoes. It’s colorful, tasty, and perfect for busy nights!
I love how this dish comes together in just one pot—less mess for me! Plus, who can resist that combo of sausage and veggies? It’s comfort food at its best! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni is great, but you can easily swap it with penne, fusilli, or farfalle if that’s what you have! Just keep an eye on cooking times.
Chicken Sausage: This adds flavor and heartiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works too. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpea or lentil-based sausage.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a nice crunch. If you can’t find it, yellow squash or bell peppers make excellent substitutions!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness. In winter, canned diced tomatoes can work well. Just reduce cooking time for them to heat through.
Parmesan Cheese: It’s hard to beat freshly grated Parmesan! If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta to the perfect texture is key for this dish. Undercook it slightly, as it will finish cooking in the skillet. Here’s how:
- Use plenty of salted water—about 1 tablespoon of salt for every gallon.
- Follow the package instructions but check for doneness 1-2 minutes early.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust sauces later.
This simple technique ensures your pasta is perfectly cooked and flavorful!
What’s the Best Way to Sauté the Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables properly brings out their flavors and textures. Here are some tips:
- Heat your oil before adding garlic; you want to release its aroma without burning it.
- Add zucchini first since it takes longer to cook. Stir occasionally and don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
- Cook until they are just tender; you want them to retain some crunch.
This technique ensures your zucchini and tomatoes are vibrant and tasty in the final dish!
Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare, with around 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy option for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook 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. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the sliced zucchini and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. After that, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and beginning to blister.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure it’s well mixed and heated through.
5. Season and Serve:
Season your dish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. To serve, dish out the pasta and top it with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious, colorful, and easy chicken sausage pasta with zucchini and tomatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great, feel free to substitute it with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary slightly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the pasta.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. Adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, can enhance the flavor and texture too!
What Can I Serve with This Pasta Dish?
This chicken sausage pasta is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a more complete meal. It also goes well with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio!
