This recipe started one summer with a stop at one of our local fruit stands. They had the most beautiful farm-fresh red onions, zucchini, and tomatoes. I brought them home and whipped up this Summer Pasta with Zucchini and Smoked Sausage recipe in less than 30 minutes.
It immediately became my son's favorite recipe. To this day, I will get the occasional text from him with a photo of this dish and the message "Guess what I'm making?"
Recipe Ingredients
- Cooked Pasta - Use whatever pasta you love! I've been reaching for protein pasta lately, usually in a spiral or penne shape.
- Olive Oil - I use olive oil to cook the sausage and veggies, then drizzle in a little more when I mix in the pasta.
- Smoked Sausage - I like to use turkey smoked sausage, but any kielbasa or smoked sausage works great here. I've also used jalapeño sausage when I want to spice things up a bit! I cut them in half, then into half-inch or so slices.
- Red Onion - White onion is a good substitute if red onion isn't your thing. Diced in as large or small of pieces that you like. Green onions are another option. Add them at the end so they stay fresh and bright.
- Zucchini - One medium zucchini or two small. Like the sausage, I slice this in half then in slices. Smaller slices will cook faster if you like a softer zucchini.
- Fresh Garlic - Chopped. Two cloves, four cloves, more… I won't judge.
- Tomatoes - Roma tomatoes work great in this recipe. Cherry tomatoes cut in half are a great option too.
- Fresh Basil - Fresh basil is one of my favorite parts of this recipe, so I'd keep it if you can! Not a basil fan? Skip it, or add a little parsley for color.
- Parmesan Cheese - Totally optional, but a little freshly grated Parmesan on top takes this dish to the next level.
- Salt - Pepper - Red Pepper Flakes - Start with the amounts in the recipe card, then taste and adjust. The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice kick.
Mom Tip
Want some protein without adding any meat? Skip the sausage and use protein pasta. Still delicious and a great summertime meal.
How to prepare this recipe
Start by cooking the pasta. Once it is ready, drain it and set it aside. This way you can use the same pot to cook the veggies in.
Heat up the pan over medium heat. Add some olive oil, sausage, onion, and zucchini.
Cook for several minutes or until the onion has softened and the zucchini is fork-tender.
Season the mixture with some salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.
Turn off the heat and add the tomatoes, basil, cooked pasta, and another drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine.
Serve the Pasta with Veggies and Smoked Sausage topped with Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired.
That's it. A delicious, simple, pasta and sausage dinner recipe.
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Recipe FAQ's
This recipe is very flexible. Bell peppers or yellow squash can go in with the zucchini. Baby spinach is a great add, just toss it in at the end with the tomatoes and let it wilt for a minute.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a small drizzle of olive oil or water before microwaving, it brings the pasta right back to life. This dish is honestly just as good the next day!
Nope! Just give it a good rinse and slice it up. The skin softens nicely as it cooks and adds a little color to the dish.
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Complete Recipe
Summer Pasta with Zucchini and Smoked Sausage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 cup Red Onion chopped
- 2 cups Roma Tomatoes diced, or cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 3 Garlic Cloves chopped or minced
- 1 cup Zucchini sliced
- ½ cup Fresh Basil chopped
- 13 ounces Turkey Smoked Sausage sliced
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 8 ounces Pasta cooked
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat up the pan over medium heat. Add some olive oil, sausage, onion, and zucchini. Cook for several minutes or until the onion has softened and the zucchini is fork-tender.
- Season the mixture with some salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Turn off the heat and add the tomatoes, basil, cooked pasta, and another drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine.
- Serve the Pasta with Veggies and Smoked Sausage topped with Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired.
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