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- 8 oz penne pasta - 2 chicken sausages, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 zucchini, spiralized or diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) To make these chicken sausage pasta bowls, gather your ingredients first. Start with 8 ounces of penne pasta. This pasta shape holds the sauce well. Next, grab 2 chicken sausages. Slice them for even cooking. Use 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half. They add sweetness and color. You also need 1 zucchini. You can spiralize or dice it. The zucchini adds a nice crunch. For color, use 1 bell pepper of your choice. Diced bell pepper brightens the dish. Don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic gives great flavor. You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook the sausages. Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for tanginess. This will enhance the taste. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Also, use salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, have 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped. They add freshness. If you like cheese, consider grated Parmesan for serving. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a tasty and simple meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook 8 oz of penne pasta according to package instructions. Aim for al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 2 sliced chicken sausages. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn nice and brown. This step gives the sausages great flavor. - Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. - Sauté these for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. This mix adds color and taste to your dish. - Add 1 spiralized or diced zucchini to the skillet. - Pour in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning on top. Cook everything for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is just tender. The vinegar brings a sweet tang to the mix. - Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sausage and veggies. - Toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Serve in pasta bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To cook pasta al dente, start with salted water. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the penne. Check the package for cooking time, and taste a piece a minute or two early. It should be firm but not hard. Salting the pasta water is crucial. It enhances the flavor of the pasta and makes the dish better overall. If you skip this step, your pasta might taste bland. You can add more flavor to your chicken sausage pasta bowls. Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can also boost taste. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice depth, too. Balsamic vinegar balances acidity in your dish. It adds a sweet touch that complements the tomatoes and zucchini. Just a tablespoon does wonders. If it feels too tangy, you can mix in a bit of honey for sweetness. Serving your pasta bowls nicely makes a big difference. Use deep bowls to showcase the colors of your dish. Layer the pasta first, then add the sausages and veggies on top. Garnishing adds visual appeal. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for color and flavor. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the look, too. For a pop of color, add a few cherry tomato halves on top. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and high-quality chicken sausages will enhance the flavor and nutrition of your pasta dish. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sausage and veggies. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Spinach, kale, or mushrooms make great additions! Leftovers Tip: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of olive oil for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken sausage for turkey sausage. It gives a lighter taste. If you prefer a plant-based option, try using veggie sausage. It works great too! For pasta, feel free to mix it up. You can use farfalle, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type adds its own charm to the dish. Want to amp up the flavor? Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. It brings warmth and depth to every bite. You can also play with seasonal veggies. In summer, toss in fresh corn or bell peppers. In winter, add hearty greens like kale or spinach. These changes keep the dish fresh and exciting. For gluten-free diets, use pasta made from rice or chickpeas. They work well and taste great. If you want to skip dairy, try using nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. With these adjustments, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal! To keep your chicken sausage pasta bowls fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact. Use within three days for best taste. - Freezing Portions: For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. Make sure to label each container with the date. To enjoy your pasta again, reheating methods matter: - Best Methods: Use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst for even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to help steam the pasta. - Avoiding Sogginess: When reheating, avoid adding too much liquid. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Stir gently and cover to keep moisture in. Yes, you can prep chicken sausage pasta bowls in advance. Cook the pasta and sausage as directed. Then, cool them before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth. This keeps everything moist and tasty. Many sides go well with chicken sausage pasta bowls. Try a simple green salad to add freshness. A side of garlic bread complements the dish nicely too. You can also serve roasted vegetables for added flavor. For a healthy twist, consider a light cucumber salad. These sides enhance the meal and balance the flavors. To add some heat, consider using spicy chicken sausage. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking. Another option is to add some diced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers. Just remember to start with a small amount and taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect kick! This blog post has shown you how to make delicious chicken sausage pasta bowls. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. Remember to try different ingredients and spices to suit your taste. Storage and reheating methods ensure you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. With these insights, you can create a tasty meal everyone will love. Go ahead and make this recipe your own!

Zesty Chicken Sausage Pasta Bowls

A delicious and vibrant pasta dish featuring chicken sausages, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 pieces chicken sausages, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece zucchini, spiralized or diced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • optional Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken Sausages: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Incorporate the Zucchini: Add the spiralized or diced zucchini to the skillet. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is just tender.
  • Combine Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sausage and veggies. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Serve in pasta bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
Keyword chicken sausage, healthy, pasta, quick meal