If you are looking for a dish that combines wholesome ingredients with vibrant flavors, the Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. This dish marries succulent Italian-style chicken sausages with fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together in a savory broth that’s infused with garlic and a hint of lemon. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings comfort, color, and a burst of freshness into every bite, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a unique role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the juicy chicken sausages to the fresh herbs, every component is carefully chosen to make your meal truly special.

  • Olive oil: Provides a rich base to brown the sausages and soften the onions, adding subtle fruitiness.
  • Italian-style chicken sausages (12 oz): Packed with herbs and spices, they deliver hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
  • Diced onion (1 cup): Adds sweetness and depth once caramelized alongside the sausages.
  • Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors harmoniously.
  • Minced garlic (2 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
  • Crushed red pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Offers a gentle kick of heat for those who love a bit of spice.
  • Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses the whole meal with savory goodness.
  • Radiatore pasta (8 oz): Its ridged, curvy shape traps sauce and bits of sausage beautifully, but any small pasta will work.
  • Chopped zucchini (2 cups): Adds crunch and freshness while soaking up the surrounding flavors.
  • Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brings bright acidity that balances richness and lifts the dish.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, divided): Sprinkled in and on top, it adds salty umami for a luscious finish.
  • Halved grape tomatoes (1 cup): Bursting with sweetness and a juicy counterpoint to savory elements.
  • Chopped fresh basil (⅓ cup): A fragrant herbaceous note that rounds out the flavors beautifully when added just before serving.

How to Make Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausages and Onion

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and diced onion, cooking them together until the sausages have a lovely golden brown color and the onions become tender and translucent. This step builds a flavor-packed foundation as the fat from the sausages slowly renders and the onions soften, ensuring you get a rich taste in every bite.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth

Next, it’s time to season the skillet with salt, the optional crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about one minute until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift those delicious browned bits that packed so much flavor. Bringing this broth to a boil creates the perfect environment for cooking the pasta and infusing the dish with savory depth.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Broth

Once boiling, add your uncooked Radiatore pasta right into the broth. Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking and cook it for about ten minutes until it’s mostly tender. This technique allows the pasta to absorb the seasoned chicken broth, making every forkful rich and comforting without needing a separate sauce.

Step 4: Add Zucchini and Finish Cooking

Now, stir in the chopped zucchini and continue cooking the mixture for three more minutes. This ensures the zucchini becomes tender yet retains a slight bite, adding freshness and texture to your dish. By this stage, most of the broth should have been absorbed, leaving behind a moist and flavorful pasta base that clings to the vegetables and sausage.

Step 5: Brighten with Lemon, Cheese, and Tomatoes

Stir in the lemon juice, three tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and the halved grape tomatoes before removing the skillet from the heat. The lemon juice injects a subtle zing that perfectly cuts through the richness, while the Parmesan adds a creamy, salty depth. The tomatoes burst with sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Finally, top with fresh chopped basil and the remaining Parmesan cheese just before serving for an herby, cheesy finish.

How to Serve Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe, sprinkle with extra fresh basil leaves or a handful of toasted pine nuts to introduce a nutty crunch. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds silkiness, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper freshens the palate with every bite.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balance. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is ideal to soak up any extra sauce and make your meal feel even more indulgent. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or bell peppers add color and complement the flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dive in together. Alternatively, plate individual servings with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and basil for an elegant touch. You can also try layering the pasta in a shallow bowl with a ribbon of lemon zest on top for that lovely pop of fragrance and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and develop even more after resting, making reheated portions just as delicious as the fresh batch.

Freezing

You can freeze the dish for up to two months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and keep in mind that the texture of zucchini may soften after thawing, though the overall taste remains delightful.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftover Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the pasta if it seems dry. Microwaving on medium power in short intervals also works well for individual servings.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Radiatore is perfect because it holds sauce well, you can substitute any small or ridged pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What if I don’t have Italian-style chicken sausages?

If unavailable, plain chicken sausages work fine—just add extra herbs like fennel or oregano to mimic those rich Italian flavors. You could also try pork or turkey sausages for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe calls for a small amount of crushed red pepper which is optional. If you prefer no heat, simply skip it. You can always add a dash of chili flakes at the table if you want to customize the spice level.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken sausages and increase the zucchini and tomatoes. Adding hearty mushrooms can help replicate that savory umami. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully meat-free meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt this dish to fit gluten-restricted diets without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe is a fantastic fusion of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and comforting pasta that simply feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its delightful balance of textures and bright, layered flavors make it an absolute joy to prepare and eat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your home-cooked meal lineup.

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Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomato, and Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

A flavorful and hearty one-pan meal featuring Italian-style chicken sausages, tender zucchini, juicy grape tomatoes, and perfectly cooked Radiatore pasta, all simmered together in a savory chicken broth and finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta)
  • 2 cups chopped zucchini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil


Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausages and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and diced onion, cooking until the sausages are browned and the onion becomes tender.
  2. Season and Sauté Garlic: Add salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to release any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked Radiatore pasta to the boiling broth. Stir frequently and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes until the pasta is mostly tender but still firm.
  4. Add Zucchini and Simmer: Stir in the chopped zucchini and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
  5. Finish with Lemon, Cheese, and Tomatoes: Stir in lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and halved grape tomatoes. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute Radiatore pasta with any small pasta shape like rotini or penne.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control salt content.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Adding a splash of extra olive oil before serving can enhance richness if desired.

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