There’s something irresistible about a bowl of hearty sausage pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes, especially when it’s bursting with fresh summer produce like zucchini and cherry tomatoes. This easy one-pan meal hits all the right notes: it’s flavorful, satisfying, and comes together with minimal fuss.
Perfect for a summer evening in the USA when you want a home-cooked meal without heating up the whole kitchen, this sausage pasta recipe brings smoky, savory sausage together with the sweet pop of tomatoes and the tender bite of sautéed zucchini. What makes this dish truly shine is how adaptable it is — great with any pasta shape, easily adjusted to your spice preference, and just as tasty the next day.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy al fresco, this sausage pasta with zucchini and tomatoes belongs in your summer dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Pasta Recipe
- 🔥 Bold, balanced flavors – Smoky sausage pairs beautifully with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender zucchini.
- ⏱ Quick to prepare – Minimal prep and only one pan needed.
- 🌱 Seasonal and fresh – A great way to use up summer veggies.
- 🍝 Customizable – Works with gluten-free pasta, spicy or mild sausage, or even veggie sausage.
- 🍽 Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love it!
Quick Facts
- Preparation Time: PT15M
- Cooking Time: PT25M
- Total Time: PT40M
- Type: Main Course
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious sausage pasta with zucchini:
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 fully cooked chicken or beef sausages, sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- A squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness
- Grated Pecorino or mozzarella instead of Parmesan
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the zucchini and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until just tender.
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes and oregano, and let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften and burst.
4. Combine and Finish
- Return the sausage to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until heated through. If it looks dry, add a splash of pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and taste for seasoning.
- Finish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Conclusion
This sausage pasta with zucchini and cherry tomatoes is everything a summer meal should be — quick, vibrant, and full of flavor. The balance of smoky sausage, juicy tomatoes, and tender zucchini makes it a standout dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a patio with friends or packing it up for lunch the next day, this pasta recipe is bound to become a seasonal staple. Feel free to get creative with what’s in your fridge — the magic of this dish is in its versatility.
Tried it? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag us, or drop your tips and tweaks in the comments below. Looking for more easy pasta dinners? Subscribe to get new recipes straight to your inbox.
FAQs
How to make sausage pasta with zucchini?
Start by sautéing sliced sausage until golden, then cook onions, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in the same pan. Toss with cooked pasta and seasonings, then finish with cheese and fresh herbs.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes! You can use turkey, beef, or vegetarian sausage. Just make sure it’s fully cooked or cook it thoroughly before adding the veggies.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli all hold up well with the chunky sausage and veggies. Short pasta shapes are ideal for scooping everything in one bite.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently. You can leave out the red pepper flakes for a mild version or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re craving a cozy yet fresh dinner, this sausage pasta with zucchini and cherry tomatoes is the way to go. It’s easy, flexible, and makes the most of your summer produce. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan pasta dish with just the right touch of comfort?
Grab your skillet, chop those veggies, and get cooking — you’re just a few steps away from a dinner that’s bound to steal the spotlight on your summer table.
💬 Don’t forget to comment or share your twist on this recipe! And if this bowl of pasta made your evening brighter, check out more crowd-pleasers in our pasta section. 🍝🌿