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To make this tasty chicken sausage pasta with veggies, you will need the following main ingredients: - 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta - 2 chicken sausages, sliced - 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste You can add your own twist to this dish! Here are some optional ingredients for customization: - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh basil for garnish - Other veggies like broccoli or mushrooms - A splash of white wine for extra flavor - Red pepper flakes for heat Having the right tools makes cooking easy and fun. Here are some tools I recommend: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing - Cutting board and chef's knife - Colander for draining pasta - Measuring spoons for accuracy {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add salt to the water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add 8 oz of whole wheat penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Grab a large skillet and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Next, slice 2 chicken sausages and add them to the skillet. Sauté the sausages for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and slightly browned. After that, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir it in for a minute. This will bring out the flavor. Now, it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in 1 cup of thinly sliced bell peppers, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together for about 5-6 minutes. The veggies should be tender but still colorful. After that, mix in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well until the spinach wilts. If you like cheese, add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan on top before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a lovely touch. When cooking the chicken sausages, make sure they are golden brown. This brings out their taste. Adding garlic with the sausage helps create a rich aroma. Italian seasoning brings warmth, so don’t skip it. Keep an eye on your veggies. They should be tender but still bright. If you like them softer, cook them a bit longer. For the pasta, follow the package time closely. Overcooked pasta turns mushy. If you're in a hurry, use pre-cooked chicken sausage to save time. A colorful plate is always appealing. Use the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to add vibrancy. Top with fresh basil for a pop of green. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives a nice finishing touch. Serve in warm bowls to keep the dish hot longer. Pro Tips Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh seasonal vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your dish. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta until it's just firm will prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap the chicken sausage for any other protein like turkey or plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile. Save Some Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick. {{image_2}} You can make this pasta vegetarian. Replace chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Both options add rich flavor. You can also use tofu for a protein boost. The key is to sauté these well. This way, they will soak up the flavors from the garlic and olive oil. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus taste great here. Just chop them into small pieces for even cooking. You can use frozen veggies too. They save time and work well in this dish. Remember to add them to the skillet with the garlic so they cook nicely. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes when cooking. You can start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you prefer mild flavors, skip this step. Also, consider adding a splash of hot sauce before serving. This little kick can change the flavor. To keep your chicken sausage pasta fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down to room temperature first. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, storing it properly helps keep the flavors and nutrients intact. Reheat your chicken sausage pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until it's heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check it often to avoid overheating. You can freeze chicken sausage pasta if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take longer. Just make sure it heats all the way through. Yes, you can use regular sausage. It will add more fat and flavor. Just choose your favorite type. Keep in mind that cooking times may change, so check to ensure it's fully cooked. You can use gluten-free pasta if needed. Other options include regular penne or spaghetti. Zucchini noodles are fun for a low-carb twist. Just remember that cooking times will vary for each type. To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This keeps the dish tasty while avoiding dairy. This blog post covers every step to make a tasty dish from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients, optional additions, and tools. Step-by-step instructions showed you how to cook the pasta and sausage, plus mix in veggies. I shared tips for flavor and decoration. You can try different veggie options or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Proper storage and reheating keep your leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is fun! Enjoy trying out these methods and make this dish your own.

Chick'n Sausage Pasta Primavera

A delicious and healthy pasta dish featuring chicken sausage and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 pieces chicken sausages, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and sauté until they are cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
  • Mix in the cooked penne pasta, chopped spinach, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt, and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat, and if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently to combine.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to taste.
Keyword chicken sausage, healthy, pasta, vegetarian