Chicken Sausages Zucchini Pasta

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Chicken sausages and pasta pair deliciously with sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. Browning the sausages creates rich, savory notes, while the vegetables add color and freshness. Tossed in olive oil and seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper, everything melds together beautifully before being finished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures a perfect texture, especially after combining with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water to keep the dish luscious and moist. Serve hot for a comforting and well-balanced meal the whole family will love.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:08:04 GMT
A plate of pasta with chicken sausages and vegetables. Save
A plate of pasta with chicken sausages and vegetables. | lilicooks.com

This pasta with chicken sausages zucchini and cherry tomatoes has become my weeknight hero when I want something filling and fresh but still easy. The savory flavor from the browned sausage pairs perfectly with the just-tender zucchini and burst cherry tomatoes all tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.

I first threw this together on a busy night when the fridge was nearly bare and it instantly became one of those recipes I keep coming back to everyone at the table wanted seconds and even the leftovers disappeared fast.

Ingredients

  • Chicken sausages: look for fully cooked links made from quality chicken with natural ingredients for the best flavor
  • Zucchini: use medium firm ones with glossy skin for freshness and perfect texture in the skillet
  • Cherry tomatoes: buy ripe and sweet ones if possible they will burst and create a simple sauce
  • Garlic: never skip it for rich background flavor mince fresh cloves for the best results
  • Olive oil: opt for extra virgin for smoothness and depth
  • Dried oregano: just a small amount adds that classic Italian vibe
  • Salt and pepper: use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to bring out all the flavors
  • Pasta: penne or fusilli work well choose a brand with good texture that holds sauce nicely
  • Fresh basil: a few leaves bring a pop of color and freshness
  • Parmesan cheese: use a good wedge and grate it yourself for more flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until just al dente. The salt seasons the noodles from the inside out. Taste after about 8 minutes it should be tender but still have a little bite. Scoop out a cup of cooking water to save for later then drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausages:
Add olive oil to your largest skillet over medium heat. Lay the chicken sausages in and let them cook undisturbed for 3 or 4 minutes on one side. The goal is a golden brown crust which locks in juices and amps up flavor. Turn and cook 2 or 3 minutes more. Take them out and cut into bite sized slices.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Into the same skillet add another drizzle of oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Stir gently for about 1 minute just until the aroma hits your nose. Do this on medium low so it does not burn.
Cook the Veggies:
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes stirring so they get a little color and just start to soften. Next add the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle over the dried oregano salt and pepper. Keep cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. The tomatoes should collapse a bit and their juices should make a light sauce.
Combine and Finish:
Return the sliced sausages to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the pasta and toss everything together gently so you do not break the noodles. Add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if it seems dry. Heat through for another minute or so until everything is warm and glossy.
Serve and Garnish:
Spoon hot pasta into bowls. Scatter torn fresh basil over each plate and finish with a generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese. The herbs and cheese bring everything together.
A plate of pasta with chicken sausages and zucchini. Save
A plate of pasta with chicken sausages and zucchini. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part of this dish is always the cherry tomatoes once they burst in the skillet they create such a sweet tangy sauce. My kids used to pick them out but after one taste in this pasta they always ask for more.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce or microwave in short intervals. I recommend storing extra basil and cheese separately and adding them fresh when serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken sausages for turkey or plant based sausages without missing a beat. If you do not have cherry tomatoes use chopped roma or grape tomatoes. Try other summer squash instead of zucchini or add mushrooms or bell peppers to mix things up.

A delicious meal of chicken sausages with zucchini, tomatoes, and pasta. Save
A delicious meal of chicken sausages with zucchini, tomatoes, and pasta. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant pasta stands alone as a complete meal but I love to add a big green salad with lemony vinaigrette. Garlic bread on the side is always welcome to mop up those delicious juices. Top each bowl with more basil or even a handful of arugula for extra color.

Cultural or Historical Context

Pasta and sausage is a pairing you will find across countless Italian kitchens. Zucchini and tomatoes are classic summer market vegetables and this kind of simple sauté is a true Mediterranean staple showing how a few fresh ingredients can transform a meal. This is the kind of dish you would find on a family table in early summer especially in southern Italy where the produce is so vibrant.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Penne or fusilli are great choices since their shapes hold the chunky chicken sausages and vegetables well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

→ Can other vegetables be added?

Yes, bell peppers or spinach work well with the base ingredients, enhancing both color and nutritional value without overpowering the sauce.

→ How do I prevent the zucchini from getting mushy?

Sauté zucchini just until tender but still slightly firm, cooking over medium-high heat. Overcooking can cause it to lose its texture.

→ Is it necessary to brown the sausages before slicing?

Searing whole sausages first locks in juices and builds depth of flavor. Slice after browning for best taste and texture in the final dish.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it to the skillet as you toss everything together. For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream.

Chicken Sausages Zucchini Pasta

Savory chicken sausages, sautéed zucchini, and sweet tomatoes tossed with hearty pasta and fresh herbs.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 4 chicken sausages
02 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
03 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 Salt and pepper to taste
08 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
09 Fresh basil, for garnish
10 Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the sliced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 04

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and juicy.

Step 05

Return the sliced chicken sausages to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.

Step 06

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  1. Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when mixed with the warm sausage and vegetable mixture.
  2. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce.
  3. Properly brown the sausages for maximum flavor. Let them sear before slicing to enhance their richness.
  4. Avoid overcooking the vegetables. Zucchini and cherry tomatoes should be tender but still slightly firm to preserve their freshness.

Required Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Strainer

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Gluten (from pasta)
  • Dairy (from Parmesan cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 28 g