Chicken Sausage Bowtie Pasta with Zucchini & Tomatoes
Ingredients:
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage slices and cook for 4–5 minutes, until browned and heated through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
Season: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything in the spices.
Combine everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together over medium heat until well mixed and heated through.
Finish with cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~480 per serving