Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water—this will help create a luscious sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the zucchini slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Next, stir in the cherry tomatoes, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
Return the browned chicken sausages to the pan and stir everything together. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a silky, light sauce that coats the ingredients beautifully.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. If needed, add more pasta water for extra moisture.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese (if using) over the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g