Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet
Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and bursting with summer vibes. This veggie-packed skillet pasta is perfect for any night. Whip up this chicken sausage pasta, gather your loved ones, and enjoy its light, delicious flavors!
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225g short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz 340g Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium zucchinis halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 cup 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Juice of half a lemon optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz pasta until al dente, following package instructions (about 8–10 minutes). I drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside for this veggie-packed skillet pasta.
Brown the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil. I add 12 oz sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, then remove to a plate for this chicken sausage pasta.
Sauté Veggies and Combine
- In the same skillet, I add 2 minced garlic cloves and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. I add 2 sliced zucchinis and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender, then toss in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for 1 minute. I return the sausage and pasta to the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen. I season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then stir in 2 tbsp basil or parsley and ½ cup Parmesan for a vibrant summer pasta dish.
Serve
- I serve hot from the skillet, sprinkled with extra Parmesan, savoring this veggie-packed skillet pasta.
Notes
- Add spinach, kale, or arugula for extra greens.
- Substitute yellow squash or eggplant for zucchini.
- Make it creamy by stirring in mascarpone or ricotta just before serving.
- Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if preferred.