CHICKEN SAUSAGES WITH ZUCCHINI, TOMATOES & PASTA 🍝
📋 Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
1 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta like penne or shells)
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
👩🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Sauté Sausage & Onion:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and diced onion. Cook for 5–6 minutes until sausages are browned and onions are soft.
2️⃣ Add Garlic & Spices:
Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper (if using), and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Simmer Pasta:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly cooked.
4️⃣ Add Zucchini:
Stir in chopped zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and pasta is fully cooked.
5️⃣ Add Lemon & Cheese:
Pour in lemon juice and stir in 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6️⃣ Finish with Tomatoes & Basil:
Fold in halved grape tomatoes and chopped basil. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes just until warmed through.
7️⃣ Serve:
Serve hot, sprinkled with the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
⏱ Preparation time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cooking time: 25 minutes
⏱ Total time: 35 minutes
🔥 Calories: ~460 kcal per serving
🍽 Servings: 4
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this chicken sausages with zucchini, tomatoes, and pasta dish is a fantastic choice. Packed with vibrant vegetables and savory ingredients, it combines the heartiness of chicken sausages with the fresh flavors of zucchini and tomatoes. The unique combination of ingredients, including chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, elevates this dish to another level. Chicken sausages are a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausages, offering similar taste while being lower in fat. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also adapts well to any pantry staples you may have on hand. You can easily substitute the pasta type according to your preference. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you're using a different pasta. Additionally, if you want to add extra nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Cooking is about creativity, so feel free to make this dish your own. The addition of fresh basil not only adds flavor but also a beautiful touch to your final presentation. Enjoy this delightful meal that serves four, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead!
