Category: Poultry, Pasta, Healthy Recipes, Easy Weeknight Recipes
This Healthy Red Sauce Chicken Sausage Pasta is a simple, nutritious weeknight dinner packed with vegetables, lean protein, and fresh flavor. Made with roasted-style simmered cherry tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, and fresh basil, this homemade red sauce is blended until smooth for a delicious way to add extra vegetables to your meal.
I used whole grain thin spaghetti, chicken sausage, and fresh Parmesan to finish this dish, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pasta, sausage, or toppings. It’s a comforting, high-protein meal that comes together in one pot with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, and basil create a flavorful homemade sauce.
- High-protein: Chicken sausage adds protein and savory flavor to every serving.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients and one-pot cooking make this recipe convenient.
- Healthy and satisfying: Whole grain pasta and vegetables make this a balanced meal.
- Smooth, homemade sauce: Blending the cooked vegetables creates a creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
Ingredients
- ½ box spaghetti or angel hair pasta (I used whole grain thin spaghetti)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 package chicken sausage links
- 1 package cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ zucchini, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, left whole
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for topping (optional)
How to Make Healthy Red Sauce Chicken Sausage Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stopping 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming overcooked when they’re added back to the sauce.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken Sausage
In the same pot, use kitchen scissors to cut the chicken sausage links into bite-sized chunks.
Add the avocado oil if needed and cook the sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
3. Simmer the Vegetables
Add the whole garlic cloves, chopped zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the same pot.
Season with salt, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow the vegetables to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the cherry tomatoes soften and release their juices and the zucchini becomes tender.
4. Blend the Red Sauce
Once the vegetables are softened, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth, creating a homemade red sauce. Work in batches if needed, and use caution when blending hot ingredients.
5. Combine the Sauce and Sausage
Pour the blended sauce back into the pot. Add the fresh basil leaves and cooked chicken sausage.
Stir everything together over low heat until the basil is incorporated and the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
6. Add the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the homemade red sauce.
Allow the pasta to cook for another minute or two, if needed, so the noodles finish absorbing the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Enjoy a flavorful, veggie-packed chicken sausage pasta that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Tips for the Best Chicken Sausage Pasta
Use your favorite chicken sausage: Italian-style, garlic and herb, or spicy chicken sausage can all work well in this recipe. Choose a variety that complements the flavors of the vegetables and basil.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking the noodles 2 minutes under the package instructions helps them maintain their texture as they finish cooking in the sauce.
Blend the sauce to your preferred consistency: For a completely smooth red sauce, blend thoroughly. If you prefer a little texture, pulse the vegetables instead.
Add Parmesan for extra flavor: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, salty finish to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, angel hair, penne, rigatoni, or whole wheat pasta can all work well. Adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Chicken sausage provides a source of protein, making this a satisfying meal. The total protein content will depend on the type and amount of sausage used, as well as the pasta brand.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Red Sauce Chicken Sausage Pasta is proof that a homemade vegetable-based sauce can be simple, flavorful, and satisfying. With fresh basil, tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and hearty chicken sausage, it’s an easy dinner you can add to your weekly rotation.
Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, and don’t forget the Parmesan and crushed red pepper to finish it off.
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