Garlic Zucchini Spaghetti with Italian Chicken Sausage, Tomatoes, and Basil
Try this Garlic Zucchini Spaghetti with Italian Chicken Sausage, Tomatoes, and Basil recipe.
Try this Garlic Zucchini Spaghetti with Italian Chicken Sausage, Tomatoes, and Basil recipe.
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1.5 zucchinis, blade c
- 1/2 whole tomato chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped basil (and a bit extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy!)
- 2 small red potatoes quartered
- 2-3 links, chicken sausage caseings removed and cut into chunks
- 1/3-1/2 cup, parmesan cheese (optional!)
- Carbohydrate 69.7822043992593 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.582156560533402 g
- Fiber 8.97004872729685 g
- Protein 8.63366705345467 g
- Saturated Fat 0.132487557783904 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (407g)
- Sodium 62.1569920241282 mg
- Sugar 60.8121556719625 g
- Trans Fat 0.106248616342985 g
- Calories 310 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a bowl, place red potatoes and pour in two glugs of olive oil. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Place in potatoes and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Once preheated, add in potatoes. Halfway through, toss around. Once done, set aside.
- Add 3-4 glugs of olive oil in a large skillet and season with salt and pepper. Once oil heats, add in garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Then, add red pepper flakes, stir for 30 seconds and then add in chicken sausage.
- Cook the sausage for about 2 minutes and then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink.
- Add in tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in zucchini pasta, another glug (or two!) of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add in roasted potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until zucchini softens.
- Add in Parmesan cheese (optional). Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Pour into serving bowl, plate onto dishes and serve garnished with any leftover chopped basil.
A Weeknight Winner: Garlic Zucchini Spaghetti
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and soccer practice, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Garlic Zucchini Spaghetti with Italian Chicken Sausage, Tomatoes, and Basil is one of those recipes – a true weeknight winner! It's packed with fresh flavors, requires minimal prep time, and is surprisingly healthy. The best part? Even my picky eaters gobble it up!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It leverages fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a vibrant and satisfying meal. The zucchini noodles provide a light and healthy alternative to traditional pasta, while the Italian chicken sausage adds a savory depth of flavor. The burst of fresh tomatoes and basil adds a bright, summery touch, creating a balanced dish that's perfect for a warm evening. I often double the recipe, because leftovers are just as delicious the next day – perfect for a quick lunch!
Why this recipe works:
- Speed: It comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Health: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and basil is a classic flavor profile that everyone enjoys.
- Versatility: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and color. You can also substitute the chicken sausage for another type of sausage or even ground meat.
- Ease: The minimal chopping and simple cooking steps make this recipe accessible even for novice cooks.
Tips and variations:
- For extra flavor, try using different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage would add a nice kick.
- If you don't have zucchini noodles, you can use regular spaghetti or other pasta shapes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Garnish with extra basil, Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- To make it a complete meal, serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
This recipe has quickly become a staple in my household. It's a go-to meal when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out.
Beyond the Recipe:
Cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it's an act of love and care. Sharing food with loved ones creates cherished memories and fosters a sense of connection. This Garlic Zucchini Spaghetti recipe isn’t just about the delicious taste; it’s about the ease and efficiency that allow me to spend more quality time with my family, which is invaluable in today's busy world. And this particular recipe? It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
The aroma of garlic, sausage, and basil filling my kitchen as I prepare this dish is a comforting sensory experience, reminding me of simpler times and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. In our fast-paced lives, taking the time to cook a meal together, even a simple one, is a powerful act of presence. It’s a chance to connect, to share stories, and to appreciate the small moments of joy in the midst of the everyday hustle.
