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Quick One-Pot Cheesy Sausage and Zucchini Pasta

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A quick, comforting one-pot pasta dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender zucchini, and creamy cheese, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add sliced zucchini and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until zucchini softens but retains slight bite.
  3. Pour in dry pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta should absorb most liquid and become al dente.
  5. Remove lid and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Let pasta rest off heat for 2 minutes to thicken. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Keep the lid slightly ajar while simmering to prevent pasta from becoming mushy. Add cheese off the heat to avoid clumping. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of broth or cream; if too runny, cook uncovered a bit longer. For lighter versions, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based milk. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, cheesy pasta, sausage pasta, zucchini pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/quick-one-pot-cheesy-sausage-and-zucchini-pasta-easy-recipe-for-busy-nights/