Description
Create this easy Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet in just 20 minutes for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan dinner. Made with chicken sausage, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, lemon, and pasta, this quick weeknight meal delivers Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced into discs
1 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, optional
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz uncooked radiatore pasta or another small pasta shape
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage and onion until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion is soft.
2. Add salt, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook briefly until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook while stirring often for about 10 minutes until nearly tender.
4. Stir in the zucchini and continue cooking for about 3 minutes until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Mix in the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and the tomatoes.
6. Remove from heat. Top with basil and the remaining Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Crushed red pepper is optional for extra heat.
Any small pasta shape can be used.
Freshly grated Parmesan or shelf-stable grated Parmesan both work.
Tube basil can be used if fresh basil is unavailable.
For a stronger citrus flavor, add lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
Zucchini can be replaced with broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Firmer vegetables should be added earlier to soften.
Chicken sausage can be replaced with other sausages or seasoned diced chicken breast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1423 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg