Description
This quick and flavorful recipe features Italian-style chicken sausages sautéed with onions, garlic, and a touch of crushed red pepper, simmered in chicken broth with Radiatore pasta, zucchini, and grape tomatoes. Finished with fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and basil, this one-pan dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 12 oz Italian-style chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- â…“ cup chopped fresh basil
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Dry and Seasonings
- 8 oz Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Sausages and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and diced onion, cooking until the sausages are browned and the onion has softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Season the mixture with salt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful browned bits, then bring the broth to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked Radiatore pasta directly into the boiling broth. Stir frequently and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is mostly tender but still with a slight bite.
- Add Zucchini: Stir in the chopped zucchini and continue cooking for 3 additional minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, creating a creamy sauce.
- Finish Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and halved grape tomatoes. Garnish with the chopped fresh basil and the remaining Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Using Radiatore or another small pasta shape helps the pasta hold sauce and cook evenly.
- For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it a bit lighter or to fit dietary preferences.
- Adding fresh basil at the end gives a refreshing herbal aroma and flavor.
- If fresh zucchini isn’t available, frozen chopped zucchini can be used but may add extra moisture; adjust cooking time accordingly.
