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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.