Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet

If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet is exactly what you need. This one-pan meal brings together juicy chicken sausage, tender pasta, and fresh zucchini in a light yet comforting sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced, colorful, and full of flavor, this dish is an ideal choice when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet Is a Perfect Dinner Choice

This recipe works so well because it combines simplicity with bold flavor. Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet is:

• Made in one pan for easy cleanup

• Packed with protein and vegetables

• Light enough for everyday dinners, yet filling

• Flexible and easy to customize

Whether you’re cooking for family or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this skillet pasta delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 350 g (12 oz) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)

• 300 g (10 oz) chicken sausage, sliced into rounds

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Flavor and Finish

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• ¼ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Pot for boiling pasta

• Colander

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

With just a few tools, Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet comes together effortlessly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on both sides.

Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add zucchini slices and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender and lightly golden.

Stir in the garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Skillet

Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together gently.

If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. For extra richness, stir in a small knob of butter.

Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Toss once more and serve immediately.

Your Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet is now ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style dinner. It pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad

• Garlic bread or crusty bread

• A light tomato or cucumber salad

This pasta skillet works well as a complete meal on its own, thanks to the balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the zucchini; it should stay slightly crisp

• Use high-quality chicken sausage for maximum flavor

• Reserve pasta water—it helps bind everything together

• Add cheese off the heat to avoid clumping

• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

These tips ensure your Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet turns out perfectly every time.

Variations and Custom Ideas

One of the best things about Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet is how adaptable it is:

• Add spinach or kale for extra greens

• Swap zucchini for bell peppers or asparagus

• Use spicy chicken sausage for more heat

• Add a splash of cream for a creamy version

• Replace pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta

This recipe easily adapts to what you have in your fridge.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~540 kcal

• Protein: ~32 g

• Carbohydrates: ~55 g

• Fat: ~22 g

• Fiber: ~5 g

Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion size and ingredients used.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth

• Avoid overheating to keep the pasta from drying out

This dish is great for meal prep and next-day lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Cook everything and store it refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely. Turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage works well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. Simply skip the red pepper flakes for a mild, family-friendly version.

Why This Recipe Works for Dinner

Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet is ideal for dinner because it’s quick, nourishing, and satisfying without being heavy. The chicken sausage adds savory depth, the zucchini brings freshness, and the pasta ties everything together into a comforting meal.

It’s the kind of dinner you can rely on any night of the week.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and well-balanced dinner, Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet deserves a spot in your regular rotation. With simple ingredients, one-pan convenience, and vibrant flavors, this dish proves that great dinners don’t need to be complicated.

Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Golden-seared chicken sausage tossed with tender rigatoni, sautéed zucchini, and burst cherry tomatoes, all coated in a light garlic-herb sauce. A quick, flavorful one-pan pasta perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients Serves 3–4
• 300 g 10 oz rigatoni pasta
• 300 g 10 oz chicken sausage, sliced into chunks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 zucchinis sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup pasta cooking water as needed
• Fresh parsley or basil chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Method

 

1. Instructions
2. Cook the Pasta
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions.
5. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
6. Brown the Chicken Sausage
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add chicken sausage and cook 4–5 minutes, turning until golden on all sides.
9. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
10. Sauté the Vegetables
11. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Add zucchini and cook 3–4 minutes until lightly golden.
13. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to burst.
14. Combine
15. Return sausage to the skillet.
16. Add cooked pasta and oregano.
17. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
18. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
19. Serving
20. Finish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Tips

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Swap chicken sausage with turkey sausage if preferred.

A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors.