Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta

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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta

A hearty, one-pan pasta dish packed with juicy chicken sausage, tender zucchini, burst tomatoes, and fresh basil in a light, savory Parmesan sauce.

 Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4–5 servings

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced

  • 1 cup diced onion

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 tsp minced garlic

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or penne, rotini, shells)

  • 2 cups chopped zucchini

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

  • â…“ cup chopped fresh basil

 Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

  2. Sauté aromatics
    In the same pan, add onion and salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Cook the pasta
    Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (about 10–12 minutes).

  4. Add vegetables & sausage
    Stir in zucchini and return sausage to the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes until zucchini is tender.

  5. Finish the sauce
    Add lemon juice and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

  6. Add tomatoes & basil
    Gently fold in tomatoes and basil. Remove from heat.

  7. Serve
    Top with remaining Parmesan and extra basil if desired.

 Flavor Notes

  • Lightly creamy without heavy cream

  • Fresh, slightly tangy from lemon

  • Savory and satisfying with balanced textures

Tips & Variations

  • Make it creamy: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese

  • Low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles

  • Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers

  • Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago

  • Spicy: Use hot Italian chicken sausage

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container

  • Reheat: Gently on stovetop with a splash of broth

  • Not freezer-friendly (pasta texture may soften)

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Protein: ~32 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~45 g

  • Fat: ~24 g

  • Fiber: ~4 g

  • Calcium: ~25% DV

 Benefits

  • High in lean protein

  • Balanced carbs for energy

  • Rich in calcium from Parmesan

  • Zucchini & tomatoes add fiber and antioxidants

  • One-pan meal = easy cleanup

Q & A

Q: Can I use regular pork sausage?
✔ Yes, but it will increase fat and calories.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
✔ Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage labels.

Q: Can I use water instead of broth?
✔ Yes, but broth gives better flavor.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
✔ Yes, for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
✔ Omit cheese or use dairy-free Parmesan.

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