The very second I tasted this Sausage and Courgette Pasta, flavor fireworks exploded in my mouth. Picture this: I was testing recipes on a lively Saturday afternoon, surrounded by the vibrant hum of my kitchen. The savory punch of spicy sausage paired with the fresh, slightly sweet crunch of courgettes instantly made my taste buds sit up and shout, “Yes!” This wasn’t some timid pasta dish—it was a bold flavor adventure that screamed Cuba Queen’s no-holds-barred philosophy.
I kept tweaking the balance between the sausage’s spicy punch and the courgette’s mellow freshness until everything clicked. What surprised me most was how the courgettes soaked up the sausage pasta sauce, turning every bite into a juicy, flavor-packed moment. This Sausage and Courgette Pasta isn’t just food; it’s a celebration on your plate, the kind that makes your kitchen feel like a festival every night.
This recipe quickly became one of my absolute go-tos, and I’m beyond excited to share it with you. If you haven’t tried Sausage and Courgette Pasta yet, buckle up. You’re about to discover a new favorite that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to stop eating. Ready to dive into bold flavors and satisfying bites? Let’s get cooking.
For more bold flavor adventures, check out this creamy cajun chicken pasta that’s just as packed with zing and soul.
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Sausage and Courgette Pasta ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s what you need to hit every note on this flavor playlist:
- 400g Italian sausage (about 4 sausages), casings removed
- 2 medium courgettes, sliced into half-moons
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni work perfectly)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 100ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin if you want a flavor boost)
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated (splurge here—it makes a world of difference)
Here’s the Sausage and Courgette Pasta game-changer that will blow your mind: swapping regular sausage for spicy Italian sausage amps up the dish with just the right kick. You’ll find the best Italian sausages for this Sausage and Courgette Pasta at local butcher shops or specialty grocery stores—they usually pack way more flavor than supermarket brands.
For a budget-friendly twist, swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp feta crumble for a tangy spin. Don’t forget, fresh basil brings this courgette pasta recipe alive with herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
Pro tip: Prep your courgettes right before cooking to keep them crisp and fresh—packs more punch in every bite. If you want to save leftovers, store the sausage pasta sauce and cooked pasta separately to keep that perfect texture.
If you love summer vegetable pasta that celebrates fresh produce, this one ranks top tier. For more inspiration, take a peek at Summer Vegetable & Sausage Pasta from The Crumby Kitchen for a veggie-packed variation that’s just as flavorful.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor lab? Here’s exactly how you make this Sausage and Courgette Pasta sing:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t stress—this is the base layer for your flavor adventure.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through. This step unleashes the magic of Italian sausage pasta flavor.
- Sauté your aromatics: Push the sausage to the side and add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like pure joy.
- Add the courgettes: Toss in the sliced courgettes. Cook for another 5 minutes until tender but still snap-happy. This is where your sausage and courgette pasta transforms into pure magic.
- Build the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Sprinkle in chili flakes if you want that extra fire. Stir everything, bring to a simmer, and let the sausage pasta sauce thicken for about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add your drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it all to coat in the rich sausage pasta sauce. If the sauce feels thick, splash in reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Final adjustments: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Toss in fresh basil leaves right at the finish for that herbal pop.
Pro tip for Sausage and Courgette Pasta perfection: Keep your heat balanced—too low and you’ll miss that caramelized sausage flavor; too high and garlic burns. Aim for a happy medium and keep stirring!
Your Sausage and Courgette Pasta should look vibrant with specks of green courgette, glistening golden sausage bits, and rich red sauce coating every noodle. In my kitchen, this Sausage and Courgette Pasta takes exactly 30 minutes from start to wow, but feels so indulgent.
If you want more inspiration for easy sausage pasta dishes, check out this embarrassingly easy chicken sausage pasta from Flavorful Life for a quick flavor bomb.
PRESENTATION:
This Sausage and Courgette Pasta absolutely slays at dinner parties! For maximum impact, serve hot in wide bowls to showcase the vibrant sauce and courgette slices. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves for that wow factor.
Pair it boldly with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or rustic garlic bread rubbed with roasted garlic. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Sausage and Courgette Pasta alongside a chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.
Got leftovers? Transform them into a killer baked pasta dish by layering with extra cheese and popping under the broiler till bubbly and golden. This summer vegetable pasta shines bright with fresh ingredients and even shines when reheated!
For a fun seasonal twist, swap courgettes for zucchini blossoms or tender summer squash. I’ve even tried tossing in roasted peppers for a peppery punch. These sausage and courgette pasta variations keep the flavor journey exciting.
If you want to see this sausage and courgette pasta in action, check out this creamy sausage and courgette pasta reel on Instagram — visually drool-worthy.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this Sausage and Courgette Pasta spicier?
Absolutely! Adding extra chili flakes or swapping Italian sausage for a spicy chorizo amps up the heat without losing that saucy richness.
2. What if I don’t have courgettes?
Zucchini or even yellow summer squash are fantastic stand-ins for courgettes in this pasta. They mimic that light, fresh texture perfectly.
3. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Cook your gluten-free pasta carefully since it tends to soften quicker. The sausage pasta sauce complements any pasta style.
4. How do I know when the sausage is perfectly cooked?
Look for golden brown bits and no pink inside when you cut into the pieces. The aroma will be rich and savory—trust your senses!
5. What if I want to prep this ahead?
Cook the sausage pasta sauce separately and store in an airtight container. Boil fresh pasta when ready to serve and toss together.
6. Can I freeze this Sausage and Courgette Pasta?
Sure! Freeze the sausage pasta sauce on its own. Freshly cooked pasta does best heated separately and added at serving.
7. How do I add more veggies?
Throw in chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach during the sauce simmer. It turns this into a veggie-packed flavor bomb.
Bold reassurance: This Sausage and Courgette Pasta works for flavor adventurers of every skill level—your kitchen will smell like victory.
Community feedback has been incredible, with folks sharing how this sausage pasta sauce and courgette combo turned their weeknight dinners into celebrations.
If you want to mix up your pasta game further, check out these easy sausage pasta dishes for simple, bold flavor hits that wow every time.
CONCLUSION:
This Sausage and Courgette Pasta stands proud as a perfect example of what Cuba Queen is all about: bold, unapologetic flavor delivered with ease and confidence. It’s a dish that turns ordinary ingredients into unforgettable moments.
My Sausage and Courgette Pasta Power Tips:
– Always brown your sausage properly to get rich, caramelized flavor.
– Use fresh courgettes sliced right before cooking for that perfect texture.
– Let the sausage pasta sauce simmer just enough to thicken but stay vibrant and saucy.
Variations I’ve loved include swapping Italian sausage for spicy chorizo, adding roasted red peppers, or stirring in fresh spinach for an herby twist. The spicy chorizo version gets the biggest “whoa” reactions at dinner parties every time.
Make this Sausage and Courgette Pasta your signature flavor bomb—bold, satisfying, and undeniably memorable. I have zero doubt your kitchen will be bursting with aroma and applause.
I can’t wait to see your version of this sausage pasta sauce masterpiece. Snap a pic, share your tasty moments, and keep pushing your flavor boundaries!
For more bold adventures, don’t miss this creamy butternut squash pasta or these butternut squash gnocchi with sausage for your next flavor celebration.
Let’s keep making every meal a party, one bold bite at a time!
Sausage and Courgette Pasta
This Sausage and Courgette Pasta is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining savory sausage with tender courgettes for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 sausages, sliced
- 1 large courgette, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100ml chicken stock
- 50ml cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the courgette slices and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- If using, add the cream and stir well, allowing the sauce to thicken a little. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking.