Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Pasta
A hearty, one-pan pasta dish packed with juicy chicken sausage, tender zucchini, burst tomatoes, and fresh basil in a light, savory Parmesan sauce.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–5 servings
🧾 Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
1 cup diced onion
½ tsp salt
2 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz Radiatore pasta (or penne, rotini, shells)
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
In the same pan, add onion and salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the pasta
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (about 10–12 minutes).
Add vegetables & sausage
Stir in zucchini and return sausage to the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes until zucchini is tender.
Finish the sauce
Add lemon juice and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Add tomatoes & basil
Gently fold in tomatoes and basil. Remove from heat.
Serve
Top with remaining Parmesan and extra basil if desired.
Flavor Notes
Lightly creamy without heavy cream
Fresh, slightly tangy from lemon
Savory and satisfying with balanced textures
Tips & Variations
Make it creamy: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese
Low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles
Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago
Spicy: Use hot Italian chicken sausage
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Reheat: Gently on stovetop with a splash of broth
Not freezer-friendly (pasta texture may soften)
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
(Approximate values)
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: ~32 g
Carbohydrates: ~45 g
Fat: ~24 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Calcium: ~25% DV
Benefits
High in lean protein
Balanced carbs for energy
Rich in calcium from Parmesan
Zucchini & tomatoes add fiber and antioxidants
One-pan meal = easy cleanup
Q & A
Q: Can I use regular pork sausage?
✔ Yes, but it will increase fat and calories.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
✔ Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage labels.
Q: Can I use water instead of broth?
✔ Yes, but broth gives better flavor.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
✔ Yes, for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
✔ Omit cheese or use dairy-free Parmesan.