Countryside Chicken Sausages with Veggie Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these rustic chicken sausages with zucchini spark culinary magic in the most delightful way.

Hearty ingredients come together in a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with warmth and comfort.

The delicate pasta swirls perfectly complement the robust chicken sausages, creating a balanced meal that satisfies deeply.

Fresh zucchini and ripe tomatoes add vibrant color and crisp texture to this homestyle dish.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it a weeknight champion for busy home cooks.

Savor every forkful of this delicious, unpretentious meal that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Things You’ll Need for Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta

• Pasta: Hearty foundation that carries the vibrant flavors, choose a short shape like penne or rotini for better sauce-holding.

• Chicken Sausages: Lean protein packed with smoky goodness, select pre-cooked varieties for quicker preparation and consistent taste.

• Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes: Colorful summer produce that adds nutritious crunch, pick firm zucchini with bright green skin and plump, glossy tomatoes.

• Garlic, Oregano, Basil: Flavor powerhouses that elevate the entire dish, use fresh herbs for maximum aromatic impact and select garlic with tight, unblemished skin.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Essential flavor enhancers that bring balance and brightness, choose extra virgin olive oil for richest taste and select coarse sea salt for better texture.

• Fresh Basil: Provides elegant herbal finish, select bright green leaves with no wilting or dark spots.

Cooking Tools That Streamline Your Pasta Night

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Colander: Perfect for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Skillet: Versatile pan for cooking sausages and sautéing vegetables.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing sausages, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, pepper, and herbs.

Combine, Sauté, and Serve This Tasty Pasta Dish

• Boil the Pasta

Create a big pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for the flavor explosion.

• Brown the Sausages

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sizzle chicken sausages until they develop a golden, crispy exterior. Remove and slice into delectable bite-sized pieces.

• Unleash the Vegetable

In the same skillet, awaken the garlic’s aroma. Toss in zucchini and let them dance until softening. Add cherry tomatoes, sprinkle herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Let the vegetables mingle and transform for a few minutes.

• Create the Ultimate Blend

Combine the cooked pasta, seared sausage slices, and vibrant vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to intertwine and heat through completely.

• Serve with Flair

Plate your masterpiece, garnishing with fresh herbs for a burst of color and a final layer of deliciousness. Enjoy this mouth-watering meal straight from the skillet.

New Ingredient Pairings That Keep Things Fresh

• Replace chicken sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives or grilled tofu chunks for a vegetarian-friendly meal that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising taste and texture.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to refresh the flavors and maintain the pasta's moisture.
• Sprinkle some grated parmesan, crumbled feta, or fresh mozzarella on top just before serving to add a creamy, tangy dimension that elevates the entire dish's richness.
• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes while sautéing vegetables or drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish to create a zesty, warming sensation that complements the fresh ingredients.

Serve It Hot for a Weeknight Favorite

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley moments before serving to add brightness and a crisp, garden-fresh aroma that elevates the entire meal.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously grate some parmesan or pecorino romano over the hot pasta to create a creamy, salty complement that melts beautifully into the warm sausages and vegetables.
• Mediterranean Side Kick: Serve alongside a quick Greek salad or crusty garlic bread to transform this simple pasta into a more substantial and satisfying dinner experience that transports your taste buds to Southern European cuisine.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a light to medium-bodied white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that cuts through the richness of the sausage and complements the fresh vegetable flavors in the dish.

Pack It Away and Warm It Up Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, separating pasta and sausages if possible. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn by removing excess air from storage containers.
• Warm refrigerated portions in skillet over medium heat, adding splash of chicken broth or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying. Microwave works for quick heating, stirring halfway through for even temperature.
• Keep cooked pasta and sausages separate from vegetables when storing to maintain individual textures. Mix components just before reheating to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crisp zucchini edges.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any shape you prefer like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente.

• Is chicken sausage healthier than regular sausage?

Chicken sausage typically has less fat and fewer calories compared to pork or beef sausages, making it a leaner protein option.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while sautéing vegetables or use a spicy variety of chicken sausage to increase the heat level of the dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken sausages with plant-based sausages or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for protein and texture.

Rustic Chicken Sausages With Zucchini, Tomatoes, And Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired chicken sausages with zucchini sparkle through this simple one-pan dinner. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a quick weeknight meal travelers and home cooks will adore.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken sausages (Italian-flavored or preferred type), sliced
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or choice)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 pint (10 oz) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, allowing residual heat to prevent clumping.
2. Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Brown chicken sausages evenly, rotating until a golden exterior develops (6-7 minutes). Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized medallions.
3. Aromatic Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, toast minced garlic until fragrant. Add zucchini slices, cooking until they soften and develop light caramelization (3-4 minutes). Introduce cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Flavor Fusion: Simmer the vegetable mixture for 5 minutes, allowing tomatoes to break down and zucchini to reach tender perfection. Incorporate sliced sausages and reserved pasta, tossing thoroughly to distribute heat and seasonings evenly.
5. Final Presentation: Plate the vibrant dish, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasonings as desired. Serve immediately while the meal remains piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal texture.

Notes

Master Browning Technique: Achieve golden-brown sausages by using medium heat and rotating frequently, ensuring even cooking without burning.

Zucchini Caramelization Trick: Allow zucchini to soften slowly and develop slight caramelization for enhanced flavor depth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Herb Freshness Boost: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic intensity.

Pasta Water Wisdom: Reserve a small amount of pasta water to help bind sauce and add silky texture if the dish seems dry during final mixing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg