Zucchini & Tomato Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet
Creamy, juicy, and packed with sunny summer flavors, this Zucchini & Tomato Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Sausages Whole, about 12–14 ounces total, sliced after cooking
- 8 ounces Penne or Fusilli Pasta Dry
- 2 medium Zucchinis Sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 small handful Fresh Basil Leaves Torn, for garnish
- 1/4-1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese For serving, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8–11 minutes for penne/fusilli). Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Chicken Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the chicken sausages whole and cook, turning occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausages from the pan, place them on a cutting board, slice into rounds, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic & Zucchini: If the skillet looks dry, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and get light golden spots.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release some juices.
- Combine & Finish: Return the sliced sausages to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir everything together over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.