Description
This Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring Italian-style chicken sausages, tender zucchini, and small pasta cooked together in a savory broth. Finished with fresh basil, grape tomatoes, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and comforting pasta that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 12 oz Italian Style Chicken Sausages, cut into discs
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dry and Pantry Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, optional
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked Radiatore pasta or any other small pasta shape
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided (3 tbsp + 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Heat Skillet and Cook Sausages & Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the chicken sausages cut into discs and diced onion. Cook together until the sausages are browned and the onions are tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Sprinkle in the salt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in Broth and Add Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spoon or spatula to release any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir frequently for about 10 minutes until the pasta is mostly tender.
- Add Zucchini and Finish Cooking: Add the chopped zucchini to the skillet and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring gently until the zucchini is tender and most of the chicken broth has been absorbed by the pasta.
- Stir in Lemon Juice, Cheese, and Tomatoes: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese, and the halved grape tomatoes.
- Finish and Serve: Top the pasta skillet with the fresh chopped basil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian chicken sausages with pork or turkey sausages if preferred.
- If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh basil adds a nice brightness, but you can substitute with fresh parsley if needed.
- To save time, you can dice the onion and garlic in advance.
- This recipe reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
