Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta
💚 Flavorful One-Pot Dinner 💛
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages (sliced)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for spice)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Sausage & Onion
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausages and cook for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Stir in diced onions and cook for another 2 minutes, until softened.
2️⃣ Flavor Boost
- Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper (if using), and salt.
- Stir well and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the pasta and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost done.
4️⃣ Add Vegetables
- Stir in chopped zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add lemon juice, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the halved grape tomatoes.
- Stir and let everything cook together for 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings
🥄 Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
✔ Calories: ~350
✔ Protein: ~25g
✔ Carbs: ~40g
✔ Fat: ~10g
✔ Fiber: ~5g
Tips & Notes
✅ Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end.
✅ Go low-carb: Swap the pasta for chickpea pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even zucchini noodles.
✅ Extra protein: Add white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken.
✅ Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce!
Benefits of This Dish
✔ High in protein – Thanks to the chicken sausage.
✔ Packed with veggies – Zucchini and tomatoes add vitamins & antioxidants.
✔ Easy one-pot meal – Minimal cleanup!
✔ Balanced meal – A good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Q&A
❓ Can I use a different pasta?
✔ Yes! Any small pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well.
❓ What if I don’t have chicken sausage?
✔ Try turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or even regular Italian sausage.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
✔ Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
✔ Skip the Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy one-pot meal! Let me know if you want more variations! 😋💚