Chicken Sausage Zucchini Pasta (One Pan, 25 Min)
Chicken Sausage Zucchini Pasta — One Pan, 25 Minutes
This one pan chicken sausage and zucchini pasta is a light, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in 25 minutes. Sliced chicken sausage and fresh zucchini sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with your favorite short pasta and finished with Parmesan. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for using up summer zucchini.
Why This Works
- One pan — sausage, vegetables, and pasta all in one skillet
- 25 minutes total
- Lighter than cream-based pasta — garlic butter + Parmesan
- Perfect for summer — showcases fresh zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage (Italian-seasoned), sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or orecchiette)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, pepper, fresh basil
How to Make It
Step 1 — Cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain.
Step 2 — While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown sausage slices 3–4 minutes. Remove.
Step 3 — Add butter and zucchini. Sauté 3–4 minutes until golden. Add garlic and red pepper flakes 30 seconds.
Step 4 — Add broth, scrape up browned bits. Return sausage and add drained pasta. Toss with Parmesan and a splash of pasta water until everything is coated. Top with basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw sausage?
Yes — remove casings, crumble into pan, cook 7–8 minutes until done before adding zucchini.
Can I add other vegetables?
Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, or corn all work well.
Can I make this with zucchini noodles instead of pasta?
Yes — spiralize the zucchini and add in the last 2 minutes of cooking. It becomes a low-carb meal.
What pasta shape is best?
Penne, rotini, or orecchiette catch the garlic butter sauce in their curves.
Can I add cream?
Yes — add ½ cup heavy cream with the broth for a richer sauce. Reduce broth to ¼ cup.
How to store leftovers?
Fridge 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or olive oil.
Can I use pork sausage?
Yes — Italian pork sausage is richer and more traditional. The dish works with any sausage type.
Is this healthy?
Lighter than cream pasta — chicken sausage + zucchini + olive oil/butter base. About 450 calories per serving.
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Whip Up Delicious Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta Tonight!
A delightful and flavorful meal featuring savory chicken sausages, fresh zucchini, and hearty pasta, creating a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 4 links chicken sausages
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken Sausages with Zucchini and Pasta!
