One-Pan Chicken Sausage Zucchini Pasta Recipe

Ready for a weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor, color, and comfort—all in one skillet? This Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is my not-so-secret weapon for busy days when I crave a fresh, hearty meal with a punch of zest and absolutely zero fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is all in the simple, straightforward ingredients—I promise you don’t need anything fancy to pull off amazing flavor here. Each piece, from the lemon to the juicy chicken sausage, adds its own special something to this colorful bowl of goodness.

• Olive oil: Just a teaspoon is all you need to get everything going and add a subtle richness.
• Italian Style Chicken Sausages: These bring a savory boost and spicy Italian notes that fill out the dish.
• Onion: Diced onion lays a fragrant, sweet foundation that deepens as you sauté it.
• Salt: For tuning up all the flavors—start with a little, and adjust as you like.
• Garlic: Boosts the aroma and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
• Crushed red pepper: Optional, but if you like a little heat, it’s a game changer!
• Chicken broth: This helps cook the pasta and infuses every bite with flavor, so much better than plain water.
• Uncooked Radiatore pasta: Radiatore soaks up sauce and holds onto all those lovely bits—any small pasta shape will work here.
• Zucchini: Adds freshness, color, and a tender bite to the skillet.
• Lemon juice: Gives the dish its zing, making everything pop and taste so lively.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish—stirred in and sprinkled on top for a double dose of flavor.
• Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color; they make the skillet shine.
• Fresh basil: For that final flourish of herby brightness. Don’t skip it!

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is how flexible it is. Tweak it to accommodate what’s in your fridge, any dietary preferences, or simply to keep things fun and different each time you make it.

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace the chicken sausages with plant-based Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.
• Low-Carb Twists: Skip the pasta and double the zucchini, or add spiralized zucchini noodles at the end for a lighter, veggie-packed dinner.
• Cheese It Up: Try a sprinkle of mozzarella or goat cheese instead of parmesan for a creamy finish.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or summer squash along with the zucchini to amp up the color and nutrients.

How to Make Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sauté Sausage and Onion

Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat and swirling in that olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your sliced Italian chicken sausages and chopped onion. Sauté until the sausages are golden brown and the onion turns soft and translucent—it should smell incredible even at this stage.

Step 2: Season and Add Garlic

Sprinkle on the salt and, if you like a kick, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant—about a minute—being careful not to let it burn. This builds a savory, spicy base for everything to come.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the skillet (these give you extra depth of flavor). Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked radiatore pasta. Stir often for about 10 minutes—this lets the pasta absorb all the seasoned broth while becoming tender.

Step 4: Add Zucchini

Once the pasta is almost al dente, add your chopped zucchini. Continue cooking for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is just tender and the broth is mostly soaked up. This keeps the zucchini vibrant and prevents it from getting mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Tomatoes & Parmesan

Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the lemon juice and three tablespoons of the parmesan until creamy. Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes so they warm through but stay juicy. Toss in the fresh basil and give it a taste—add another pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if you like. Sprinkle the final tablespoon of parmesan over everything…and dive in!

How to Serve Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

A shower of extra parmesan and a handful of torn fresh basil right before serving adds sparkle and a finishing pop of savory, herby flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts gives an irresistible crunch atop your Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread for scooping up the last bits of sauce. A chilled glass of pinot grigio alongside doesn’t hurt, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet straight from the skillet family-style, arrange it in shallow pasta bowls with a pretty twist of fresh basil, or pile it high on a platter with more tomatoes and basil for a vibrant, summery centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting as dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet, do so before adding the fresh basil for best results. Let it cool, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. For optimal texture, add a splash of broth and the basil when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth over medium heat until everything is hot and the pasta is tender again. The microwave works in a pinch—cover and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between until steamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that tastes like sunshine in a skillet, the Zesty Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet will not let you down. It’s endlessly adaptable, brimming with flavor, and comes together with barely any mess. I hope it makes your evenings a little brighter—enjoy!

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