Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring savory chicken sausages, tender zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with pasta, perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
12 ounces short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb pre-cooked chicken sausages, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil (additional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook your preferred pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Drain well, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned and heated through. Transfer the cooked sausages to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Introduce the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini is tender-crisp but still holds its vibrant color.
Step 5: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red chili flakes if desired.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken sausages to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta and fresh chopped basil to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce and all ingredients are well combined and heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silkier consistency.
Step 8: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if you wish.
Notes
For best results, don't overcook the zucchini; it should retain a slight bite. Reserved pasta water is key for a silky sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg