When the weather warms up, light yet satisfying dinners take center stage — and this chicken zucchini pasta skillet delivers everything you love in one easy pan. It’s a wholesome, fresh, and incredibly tasty meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and relaxing summer evenings alike.
Whether you’re craving the heartiness of Italian chicken sausage pasta, the simplicity of one pot dinners chicken, or the vibrant flavors of summer sausage pasta and sausage and squash recipes, this dish is your answer. Tender pasta, golden chicken sausage, and sautéed zucchini come together for a delicious and nutritious dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Here’s everything you need to know to make this stove top dinner recipe at home — plus tips, creative variations, and serving ideas to make it even better.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet
This one-pot meal has all the hallmarks of a perfect dinner:
Quick & easy: Ready in about 25 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthy & hearty: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and pasta for a balanced meal.
Fewer dishes: Everything cooks in a single skillet.
Versatile: Swap in different veggies, pasta shapes, or seasonings to suit your taste.
Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors that everyone at the table will love.
If you’ve enjoyed other delicious summer dinner recipes like cucumber dill salad or healthy air fryer zucchini, this is a satisfying and fresh new way to enjoy zucchini with a hearty twist.
Delicious Summer Dinner Recipes: Why This Dish is Perfect for Warm Nights
Summertime calls for dinners that are light enough to not weigh you down, but still filling and full of flavor. This recipe features fresh zucchini, which is at its peak during summer, and lean chicken sausage, which adds savory richness without being too heavy. Paired with your favorite pasta, it’s an ideal choice for a summer evening meal.
Ingredients for Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Zucchini
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb (450g) Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Stove Top Dinner Recipes
- Large skillet with lid
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage rounds and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté zucchini slices for about 3–4 minutes, just until tender but still slightly crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until heated through and evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Tips for Perfect Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta
Don’t overcook the zucchini — you want it to retain some bite and not become mushy.
Use a high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor. You can choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Reserve pasta water — it helps bring everything together and creates a light sauce.
If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the dish before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
One Pot Dinners Chicken: Why You Should Make More of Them
Meals like this one are a lifesaver on busy nights. They save time, minimize cleanup, and ensure everything is ready at the same time. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep — simply divide into containers and store for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Summer Sausage Pasta and Sausage and Squash Recipes: Creative Variations
Switch up the veggies: Try yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers instead of zucchini.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer sauce.
Add greens: Toss in fresh spinach or arugula at the end for extra nutrition.
Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Pasta Zucchini Recipes
While this skillet dinner is satisfying on its own, here are a few complementary sides:
Cucumber dill salad — light and refreshing.
Garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up any sauce.
A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Grilled corn on the cob for a full summer feast.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta if needed.
Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of sausage?
Yes — just season it well with Italian herbs and spices as it cooks for flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely — omit the chicken sausage and add more veggies or use a plant-based sausage alternative.
What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work well, but you can use spaghetti or linguine too.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Make This Easy One-Pot Pasta Tonight
This chicken zucchini pasta skillet is everything you want in a summer dinner — fresh, flavorful, and fast. It’s a perfect blend of tender pasta, golden chicken sausage, and vibrant zucchini all in one easy dish.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more pasta with chicken sausage, pasta zucchini recipes, and other creative one pot dinners chicken!
Print
Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet : A Fresh, Flavorful One-Pot Summer Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A light and flavorful one-pan pasta dish with tender Italian chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan. Perfect for busy summer nights and full of seasonal ingredients!
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) 1 tablespoon olive oil 12 oz (340 g) Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced into rounds 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and black pepper, to taste ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water. 2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage rounds and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside. 3. In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. Add zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Add cherry tomatoes and cook another minute. 5. Return the sausage to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. 6. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Notes
• Add spinach, kale, or arugula for extra greens. • Substitute yellow squash or eggplant for zucchini. • Make it creamy by stirring in mascarpone or ricotta just before serving. • Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Summer
- Method: Stovetop, Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken zucchini pasta skillet, italian chicken sausage pasta, sausage and squash recipes, one pot dinners chicken, summer pasta recipe
