Delicious Sausage and Courgette Pasta To Savor

What You’ll Need:

For this sausage and courgette pasta, I use ingredients you probably already have at home—because good cooking shouldn’t mean hunting down a long list of fancy items.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 400g Italian sausage (roughly 14 oz), removed from casings
• 2 medium courgettes, sliced or spiralized for courgette pasta sauce texture
• 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 200ml chicken stock or water
• 100ml heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional for creamier sauce)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

No problem if you don’t have heavy cream—I’ve used a little extra chicken stock for a lighter version. The courgette pasta sauce works beautifully either way. For an easy sausage pasta dinner on a budget, stick to olive oil and stock for the sauce base. This sausage and courgette pasta stays affordable because it uses simple staples.

You’ll find Italian sausage in most supermarkets, usually in the fresh meat section. The spice mixes in the sausage are what give the pasta so much flavor. For courgettes, look for firm, vibrant ones with smooth skin—they taste best and hold texture nicely.

A little kitchen tip: slice your courgettes thinly or spiralize them to help them cook evenly and melt into your sausage and courgette pasta sauce. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic and chopped onion from the store work fine here.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well on the stove or microwave, so no need to fret about extra portions. Sometimes I add a bit of lemon zest at the end for a bright pop—a secret twist that lifts this sausage and courgette pasta just right.

What’s great is that this recipe uses common ingredients, so if you want to try something different, check out my Mediterranean chicken and orzo for another tasty, easy-dinner idea. Or if you want to explore different styles of sausage pasta, you might like this Embarrassingly Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta that still keeps things simple yet tasty.

Let’s Cook It Together!

Ready to make your sausage and courgette pasta? Follow these steps and I promise it’ll come together nicely—even if you haven’t cooked something like this before.

1. Prep your ingredients: Start by removing the casing from the Italian sausage and breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Slice or spiralize your courgettes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Save about a cup of pasta water before draining—that liquid helps bring the sausage and courgette pasta sauce together perfectly.
3. Brown the sausage: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook until nice and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it builds so much flavor.
4. Add vegetables: Push the sausage to the side, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Toss in the courgettes and chili flakes (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes until the courgettes are tender but still have bite.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. If you like a creamy courgette pasta sauce, stir in the cream here. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add your drained pasta to the sausage and courgette mixture, plus some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine so every bite is coated in that lovely sauce.
7. Final touches: Taste your sausage and courgette pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want it richer, add a knob of butter or some grated Parmesan here.

From start to finish, this sausage and courgette pasta takes me about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner. While the pasta cooks, you can prep your vegetables to save time. Your kitchen should smell incredible when this dish is ready—the garlic, sausage, and fresh courgette all working together.

If your sausage and courgette pasta looks a little saucier than expected, don’t worry. Adding the pasta water helps straighten it out. Remember, you can always add more liquid—or cook it down a bit if it’s too loose.

Over time, I learned not to skip browning the sausage well. That little bit of patience makes a huge difference in flavor. Also, for a quicker twist, try this one-pot sausage pasta recipe variation I love. It uses fewer dishes and delivers that same delicious mix we all crave.

For some inspiration, you might enjoy this Zucchini and Sausage Pasta Skillet from Amee’s Savory Dish or the Caramelized Zucchini and Sausage Pasta at Dishing Out Health. Both have different spins on combining sausage and courgettes that are worth trying someday.

How to Serve & Enjoy It!

I usually run a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over my sausage and courgette pasta. It melts slightly into the warm pasta and brings a comforting finish.

This sausage and courgette pasta shines when paired with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. The freshness from salad balances the hearty sausage beautifully.

This recipe fits perfectly into many occasions—whether a casual weeknight dinner or a small gathering with friends. It feels special without being fussy, and guests always comment on how satisfying and fresh it tastes.

For a simple presentation boost, toss a few fresh basil or parsley leaves on top. I find these little pops of green brighten the whole dish.

Leftovers reheat well, but you can also get creative—for example, try baking the sausage and courgette pasta with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and cheese for a comforting bake the next day.

Seasonal variations are fun, too. In the warmer months, zucchini is at its best and this dish feels light and fresh. In cooler months, I swap to adding sundried tomatoes or roasted peppers to the courgette pasta sauce for a cozy twist.

Friends always ask me for this sausage and courgette pasta recipe once they try it. It’s that kind of crowd-pleaser that brings everyone around the table happily.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this sausage and courgette pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sausage and courgette mixture ahead and refrigerate it. Just add the cooked pasta and warm before serving. It’s great for busy days when you want a quick reheat meal.

What’s the best substitute for Italian sausage?
I’ve used chicken sausage in this sausage and courgette pasta with success. It’s a little lighter but still flavorful. Beyond that, spicy chorizo works if you want a bold twist.

Can I use zucchini noodles instead of pasta?
Absolutely. For a healthy courgette pasta version, swap regular pasta for spiralized courgettes. Just sauté them briefly and combine as usual for a lighter take.

How do I adjust this sausage and courgette pasta for more servings?
Double or triple the ingredients. The recipe scales well and keeps cooking times about the same, though you may need a bigger pan to cook the sausage evenly.

Can I make this as a one-pot sausage pasta dinner?
Yes, I recommend trying the one-pot sausage pasta method for fewer dishes and speedy prep. You cook everything together, making cleanup easier. It’s a great shortcut I use sometimes.

Is the courgette pasta sauce gluten-free?
If you choose gluten-free pasta, this sausage and courgette pasta can absolutely be gluten-free. Just double-check your sausage to ensure it doesn’t contain fillers.

Any tips for keeping the courgette from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook the courgettes; keep them tender but with a slight bite. Cooking on medium heat and adding them later in the process helps maintain texture.

Hope this helps you feel ready to make your own version of this delicious sausage and courgette pasta. If you want more fresh dinner ideas to add to your rotation, check out my Brazilian mounjaro recipe delight or the homemade mayonnaise easy creamy recipe for fun homemade sauces that pair well with pasta dishes.

Final Thoughts

This sausage and courgette pasta has found a special place in my recipe collection because it hits that perfect spot between quick and satisfying. Whether you need an easy sausage pasta dinner or a healthy courgette pasta option, this recipe covers all the bases.

My Best Sausage and Courgette Pasta Tips:

• Brown your sausage thoroughly to unlock maximum flavor.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Add fresh herbs at the end for that fresh finish.

I’ve tested versions with cream, without cream, and even made it as a one-pot sausage pasta dinner. Cream adds richness, while the one-pot method saves time and dishes. My most requested version is the simple, classic sausage and courgette pasta with olive oil and Parmesan—it never fails.

I encourage you to make this sausage and courgette pasta your own. Swap sausages, add veggies, or try different pasta shapes. What matters is that you end up with a delicious, doable dish that suits your kitchen and taste.

I hope you’ll love how approachable and flavorful this sausage and courgette pasta is. It’s one of those recipes I always feel confident making and sharing. So, grab your ingredients and enjoy a tasty meal home cooks can count on.

If you liked this, your family might also enjoy my Mediterranean chicken and orzo recipe or this Embarrassingly Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta that’s perfect when you’re short on time. For a bit of inspiration from other food lovers, check out these lovely takes on zucchini and sausage pasta from Amee’s Savory Dish and Dishing Out Health. They’re beautiful reminders how versatile and dependable this flavor combo truly is.

Happy cooking, friend!

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