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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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