Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight favorite: Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet. This vibrant one-pan dish brings together juicy chicken sausages, bouncy bites of pasta, crisp-tender zucchini, and the brightness of fresh lemon and basil in a super easy meal that tastes as good as it looks. With pops of color from grape tomatoes and the finishing touch of Parmesan, every forkful is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re after a hearty dinner or a way to use summer’s best squash, Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet truly checks every box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients, you’ll create a skillet meal that feels both wholesome and a little bit special. Each element plays a key part, so don’t skip on the fresh touches—they really elevate the Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet.

• Olive oil: A drizzle kicks off this recipe, adding richness and helping everything brown beautifully.
• Italian Style Chicken Sausages: Sliced into discs, they provide savory protein and herby flavor in every bite.
• Diced onion: Sweated with the sausage, onion becomes sweet and aromatic.
• Salt: Just a pinch concentrates all the delicious flavors together.
• Minced garlic: A quick sauté wakes up its subtle, irresistible aroma.
• Crushed red pepper (optional): For a little gentle heat, add as much or as little as you like.
• Chicken broth: This is the magic that cooks the pasta and infuses it with deep, savory goodness.
• Uncooked Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta): The perfect shape for soaking up every bit of flavor and sauce.
• Zucchini (chopped): Adds color, freshness, and a subtle crunch to balance the meal.
• Lemon juice: Brings brightness and a subtle tang that lifts every bite.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): We’ll stir some in and also sprinkle on top for a deliciously savory finish.
• Grape tomatoes (halved): Juicy, sweet pops of color that make the dish absolutely irresistible.
• Fresh basil (chopped): Don’t skip this final touch—it makes the flavors sing!

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add those wonderful discs of chicken sausage and the diced onion. Stir occasionally as everything browns and the onions turn soft and golden—this step fills your kitchen with the coziest, savory aroma. The browning here builds a foundation of flavor for the entire Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Season and Add Garlic

Sprinkle in the salt, minced garlic, and (if you like a little kick) the crushed red pepper. Let these sizzle for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes super fragrant. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Use your spoon to scrape any golden bits off the skillet’s bottom—those are pure flavor gold and blend right into your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then toss in your uncooked Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta of your choosing). Give it a good, frequent stir as it cooks—about 10 minutes or so. You want the pasta to be mostly tender but not quite finished, because there’s more goodness to come. All that simmering helps the pasta soak up every last drop of the seasoned broth.

Step 4: Add Zucchini

Once your pasta is nearing al dente perfection, stir in the chopped zucchini. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. The zucchini will soften but keep just the right touch of crispness, while whatever broth remains gets absorbed, creating a saucy, flavor-packed skillet meal.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Cheese, and Tomatoes

Turn off the heat and squeeze in the lemon juice for freshness, then stir in most of the Parmesan—saving just a tablespoon for the top—and the grape tomato halves. The cheese melts into the skillet, the tomatoes warm and burst just a little, bringing even more texture and color to your Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, scatter over the fresh-chopped basil and the last bit of Parmesan cheese for a stunning, aromatic finish. Your Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is ready to serve and guaranteed to disappear fast!

How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

For a truly irresistible finish, don’t hold back on the garnishes! A flurry of freshly grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of vibrant, chopped basil not only make your Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet beautiful, but also spike every bite with extra freshness and flavor. If you love a pop of citrus, a light zesting of lemon right before serving can take it over the top.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a satisfying one-pan meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a hunk of crusty bread for sopping up any tasty broth. For something lighter, try a simple cucumber and feta salad or lightly steamed green beans dressed in olive oil and lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, serve the Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet straight from the pan at the table—there’s something charming about everyone digging in together. Looking to impress? Spoon it into shallow bowls and top each portion with a chiffonade of basil and extra tomatoes for a bistro-style touch. Individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets make for adorable, party-ready portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, meaning tomorrow’s lunch might be even better! Just aim to enjoy your Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet within 3 days for peak texture and taste.

Freezing

While this skillet is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled portions for up to a month if needed. Keep in mind that vegetables (especially zucchini) may lose a bit of their crispness after thawing, and the pasta will soften. For the best results, freeze in individual portions and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers into a skillet with a splash of broth or water, and warm gently over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, tasting to see if you need an extra pinch of salt or a fresh grating of Parmesan. The microwave works too, but the skillet method helps preserve the original texture of your Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian style chicken sausages add a ton of flavor without being too heavy, you can swap in turkey, pork, or even a spicy sausage for a new twist. Just keep an eye on cooking times and check seasonings as you go.

What pasta shapes work best for Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet?

Radiatore is fantastic because it traps sauces and little bits of veggies in all its nooks. But feel free to use rotini, penne, farfalle, or any small pasta shape that cooks up nicely in a skillet. Avoid long noodles for best results.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Super simple—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Watch the cooking time, as some gluten-free options absorb liquid faster or require a little less time to become tender.

Can I add more veggies?

Of course! Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is a wonderful platform for tossing in any seasonal vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even asparagus tips work especially well. Just add heartier veggies with the pasta, and softer ones at the end.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is entirely up to you. Crushed red pepper brings a subtle heat, but you can omit it or double up if you want something more fiery. Feel free to adjust according to your taste or your family’s preferences.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet. It’s everything you could hope for in a weeknight dinner—quick, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Give it a go the next time you crave comfort with plenty of color, and let this one-pan wonder become a staple in your kitchen too!

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