This delicious Chicken Sausage Pasta is a simple meal that combines juicy chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and sweet tomatoes for a quick dinner. It’s colorful and full of flavor!
I love how easy it is to whip up—just cook the sausage, toss in the veggies, and mix with your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: I love rigatoni for its shape, which holds onto the sauce beautifully. You can swap it out for other short pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle if you prefer something different!
Chicken Sausage: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works just as well. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is fantastic for adding texture. If you’re in a pinch, bell peppers or spinach can be great alternatives. They’ll cook quickly and bring different flavors to the dish!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute. In winter, consider using canned tomatoes for a different but still tasty take.
How Do I Cook Chicken Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking chicken sausage to perfection is key to savoring a delicious pasta dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium—not too high! This helps prevent burning while ensuring a nice golden color.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage pieces are browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
This method gives you juicy bites of sausage that will elevate every forkful of your pasta!
What’s the Best Way to Combine Everything Evenly?
Tossing everything together might seem simple, but it’s essential for flavor! After you add the pasta back into the skillet:
- Make sure to turn the heat to low to avoid overcooking any ingredients.
- Use tongs or a spatula to gently combine the sausage, veggies, and pasta, ensuring each bite has a good mix.
- When adding the Parmesan, sprinkle it evenly so it melts into the dish and coats everything nicely.
Getting this step just right means you’ll have a delightful meal full of flavor in every bite!
How to Make Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious pasta dish takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers lots of flavor without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Next, add the sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes are starting to blister.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet with the veggies. Stir everything together to combine. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat to warm it through.
5. Add Cheese and Season:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and gently stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley on top, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they can vary from regular pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Sausage?
No worries! You can use turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of sausage you choose to use.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes when mixing in the pasta. You can also use spicy chicken sausage or toss in some sliced jalapeños for an added kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
