Pasta with Sausage & Zucchini

A weeknight pasta that comes together in one skillet while the penne boils. Chicken sausage, zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes do most of the flavor work.

The sausage and zucchini saute together until the sausage browns and the zucchini softens. Dried sage goes in next, just half a teaspoon, but it pairs naturally with the chicken sausage and adds an earthy, savory note. Chicken broth and slivered sun-dried tomatoes simmer briefly so the tomatoes plump up and release their concentrated, tangy sweetness into the sauce.

Toss the drained penne right in the skillet with everything else. The starchy pasta absorbs the broth and brings it all together. A shower of grated Parmesan on top and dinner is done.

Pro Tips

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes if you want them tender faster. Dry-packed ones need a few extra minutes to soften in the broth.
• Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. If the dish seems dry after tossing, splash some in. The starch helps the sauce cling.
• Slice the zucchini thin so it cooks at the same rate as the diced sausage.

Variations

• Swap chicken sausage for spicy Italian sausage if you want more heat.
• Add a handful of baby spinach or kale when you toss the pasta in for extra greens.
• Use fresh sage leaves fried crispy in olive oil as a garnish instead of dried sage in the sauce.