Chicken Sausage with Zucchini, Roasted Tomatoes & Farfalle Pasta: A Bright, Easy Weeknight Dinner

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a pasta dish that’s both hearty and vibrant a meal that feels comforting without weighing you down. Chicken Sausage with Zucchini, Roasted Tomatoes, and Farfalle Pasta is exactly that kind of dinner. With juicy, golden-roasted tomatoes, sautéed zucchini, and flavorful slices of chicken sausage all tossed with tender bow-tie pasta, this dish brings together the best of Italian-inspired flavors in one colorful bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any busy weeknight. My family requests it on repeat all summer, especially when garden zucchini and sweet tomatoes are in abundance!

this Recipe

What Is Chicken Sausage with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Farfalle Pasta?

This dish is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta bowl featuring browned slices of chicken sausage, sautéed zucchini, and roasted cherry tomatoes tossed with farfalle (bow-tie) pasta. Finished with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil, it’s a balanced, protein-packed meal bursting with bright flavor and color. The roasted tomatoes turn jammy and sweet, pairing perfectly with savory sausage and tender zucchini. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both nutritious and comforting!

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes perfect for weeknights.
• One-Pan + Pasta: While the pasta cooks, you can roast and sauté everything else.
• Balanced: High in protein, packed with veggies, and just enough pasta for comfort.
• Fresh Flavors: Roasted tomatoes and zucchini add natural sweetness and color.
• Customizable: Swap in any sausage or add extra veggies.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes just as good the next day for lunch!

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How Does It Taste?

Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors: the chicken sausage is juicy and savory, the zucchini is slightly caramelized and tender, and the roasted tomatoes burst with sweet-tart intensity. Farfalle pasta acts as the perfect base, catching the light, garlicky olive oil and Parmesan. The dish is fresh and herbaceous, with a little richness from the cheese and sausage—comforting but not heavy, and just as delicious warm or at room temp.

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Health & Ingredient Benefits

• Chicken Sausage: Lean protein with less fat than pork sausage, but still tons of flavor.
• Zucchini: Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin A, and lycopene.
• Farfalle Pasta: Choose whole wheat for more fiber, or gluten-free if needed.
• Olive Oil & Herbs: Heart-healthy fats and extra nutrients from fresh parsley.
• Balanced Meal: Carbs, protein, and veggies all in one bowl.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 ounces farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 2–3 pre-cooked chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta
• Rimmed baking sheet (for tomatoes)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microplane/zester (if using lemon zest)

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Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Sausage: Use Italian chicken, turkey, or even veggie sausage.
• Pasta: Swap for penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
• Veggies: Add bell pepper, spinach, or asparagus.
• Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or crumbled goat cheese.
• Herbs: Use basil, thyme, or chives for a different twist.
• Add Beans: Cannellini or white beans for extra protein and fiber.

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How to Make Chicken Sausage with Zucchini, Roasted Tomatoes & Farfalle Pasta

1. Roast Tomatoes:
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place cherry tomatoes on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Roast for 15–18 minutes, until soft and caramelized.
2. Cook Pasta:
   Meanwhile, cook farfalle in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Sauté Sausage & Zucchini:
   While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Add zucchini and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Combine:
   Add roasted tomatoes and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
5. Finish:
   Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest (if using), and fresh parsley. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
6. Serve:
   Divide into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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What to Serve With

• Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Marinated olives or artichoke hearts
• White wine or sparkling water with lemon
• Roasted veggies for extra color

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente is best—holds up to tossing with sausage and veggies.
• Caramelize Zucchini: Let it brown slightly for best flavor.
• High Heat for Tomatoes: Roasting brings out their sweetness.
• Finish with Lemon Zest: Adds freshness and balances the savory sausage.
• Use Reserved Pasta Water: Helps bring everything together in a silky sauce.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Crowding the Pan: Sauté sausage and zucchini in batches if needed for browning.
• Skipping the Roasting Step: Don’t just sauté tomatoes—roasting gives them a deeper flavor.
• Dry Pasta: Always save some pasta water to toss everything together.
• Too Much Cheese Too Soon: Add cheese at the end for creaminess, not clumping.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs!

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How to Store & Reheat

Store: Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Freeze: Not recommended zucchini and tomatoes get mushy after thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another sausage?
Yes! Any pre-cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage works.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Store assembled pasta in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

What’s a good gluten-free pasta for this?
Brown rice, chickpea, or lentil pasta are all great options.

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Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 690mg

Based on 4 servings.

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Conclusion

Chicken Sausage with Zucchini, Roasted Tomatoes & Farfalle Pasta is a vibrant, healthy dinner that’s quick enough for any night of the week but delicious enough for guests. With its fresh flavors, hearty protein, and irresistible roasted veggies, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every forkful!

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August 7, 2025 by Melissa