Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage in this pasta recipe?

Absolutely. Turkey sausage works just as well and offers a slightly leaner option. Just make sure it's seasoned similarly—Italian-style seasoning is best—to keep the flavor profile consistent.

What type of pasta works best with chicken sausage and vegetables?

Short pastas like radiatore, penne, fusilli, or rotini are great because they hold onto the broth and blend well with the sausage and veggies. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine, which don't absorb the liquid evenly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

It’s easy—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your chicken sausages are certified gluten-free. Most of the other ingredients (zucchini, tomatoes, cheese, broth) are naturally gluten-free.

How do I store and reheat leftovers of chicken sausage pasta?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the texture creamy and moist.

Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Name: Chicken Sausages with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pasta (One-Pot Family Favorite)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; 12 oz Italian Style Chicken Sausages, cut into discs; 1 cup onion, diced; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp garlic, minced; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, optional; 4 cups chicken broth; 8 oz uncooked Radiatore pasta, or any other small pasta shape; 2 cups zucchini, chopped; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped

Ingredients

Scale

1 tsp olive oil

12 oz Italian Style Chicken Sausages, cut into discs

1 cup onion, diced

½ tsp salt

2 tsp garlic, minced

¼ tsp crushed red pepper, optional

4 cups chicken broth

8 oz uncooked Radiatore pasta, or any other small pasta shape

2 cups zucchini, chopped

2 tbsp lemon juice

¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Once hot, add in the chicken sausages and onion and cook until sausages are browned and onion is tender.

2. Season with salt, red pepper flakes and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.

4. Bring mixture to a boil then add in the uncooked pasta. Stir frequently, for about 10 minutes, until pasta is mostly tender.

5. Add in the chopped zucchini and cook an additional 3 minutes until tender and most of the broth is absorbed.

6. Stir in the lemon juice, 3 tbsp of Parmesan cheese, and the grape tomatoes.

7. Remove from heat and top with basil and the remaining 1 tbsp Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, finish with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked pepper.

You can swap zucchini with yellow squash or add in mushrooms or spinach for variety.

Author: Emily Frost
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 45mg