Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring savory chicken sausages sautéed with fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes, tossed with al dente pasta and Italian seasoning. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs with an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 4 chicken sausages (Italian or spicy), sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and heated through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add minced garlic, diced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to evenly coat the sausage and vegetables with the seasoning.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and ensuring the pasta is well combined with the sausage and vegetables.
- Serve: Remove from heat and optionally sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use Italian or spicy chicken sausages according to your heat preference.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a nice texture when tossed with the sauce.
- You can substitute zucchini with other mild vegetables like yellow squash or bell peppers.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce the olive oil or use a non-stick skillet and less oil.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami flavor to the dish.
