Delicious & Easy Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage & Roasted Veggies: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
Discover the perfect harmony of flavors with this balsamic pasta recipe featuring succulent chicken sausage and vibrant sautéed vegetables. A quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dish, ideal for any busy weeknight.
Some recipes simply call to you, stirring an immediate desire to get into the kitchen. This Balsamic Pasta recipe is exactly that kind of dish. It’s a delightful medley of tender short-cut pasta, savory chicken sausage, and a vibrant assortment of sautéed vegetables, all beautifully coated in a tangy, aromatic balsamic vinaigrette. This isn’t just a meal; it’s the epitome of a quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner that will leave everyone at the table reaching for more.
This balsamic pasta has quickly become a firm favorite in my home, cherished for its irresistible flavor profile and effortless preparation. Balsamic vinegar holds a special place in my culinary heart, and incorporating its rich, nuanced tang into a pasta dish felt like a stroke of genius. The depth it brings to the sauce transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Knowing how much we adore other balsamic-infused creations like Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork with Polenta and Avocado Cream, I had no doubt this pasta would be an instant hit.
The addition of lean chicken sausage provides a wonderfully satisfying heartiness, making this dish a complete and balanced meal without feeling heavy. It’s an excellent source of protein, ensuring you stay full and energized. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its incredible versatility. While I often gravitate towards crisp zucchini and sweet red onion, the choice of vegetables is entirely up to your personal preference and what’s fresh and available. Feel empowered to get creative and customize it with your family’s favorite greens and garden delights!
Imagine a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers an explosion of fresh, bright flavors. That’s precisely what this Balsamic Pasta offers. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a homemade, nutritious meal. Beyond its speed and simplicity, this dish also boasts impressive adaptability, catering to various dietary needs and making it a fantastic option for meal prepping throughout the week. Let’s dive deeper into why this pasta will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Adore This Balsamic Pasta Recipe
- Effortless One-Pan Wonder – Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This recipe primarily utilizes just one skillet for cooking the chicken sausage and vegetables, simplifying the entire cooking process and, more importantly, making cleanup an absolute breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your delicious meal and relaxing after a long day.
- Meal Prep Dream – This balsamic pasta is a fantastic candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You can prepare various components in advance, like chopping vegetables or even cooking the pasta and sausage, to save precious time during busy weekdays. It also reheats beautifully, making leftovers a desirable lunch option or a quick dinner solution for the following day.
- Highly Adaptable & Dietary-Friendly – This recipe offers incredible flexibility to suit diverse dietary preferences and restrictions. Easily modify ingredients to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets without compromising on flavor. We’ll explore many customization ideas below to ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.
- Bursting with Flavor – The star of this dish, balsamic vinegar, infuses every bite with a delightful sweet-tangy zest that perfectly complements the savory chicken sausage and fresh vegetables. Coupled with aromatic garlic and oregano, it creates a flavor profile that is both vibrant and comforting.
- Nutrient-Rich & Wholesome – Packed with lean protein from the chicken sausage and an abundance of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables, this pasta provides a well-rounded, healthy meal. It’s a delicious way to incorporate more greens and whole foods into your diet.
- Quick & Convenient – From start to finish, this recipe can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Balsamic Pasta
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Pasta – Opt for short-cut pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, farfalle (bow ties), or even rotini. These shapes are ideal because their nooks and crannies effectively capture the luscious balsamic sauce, ensuring you get a perfect balance of chicken sausage and veggies in every single delicious bite. Feel free to use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or a gluten-free alternative if needed.
- Balsamic Vinegar – The cornerstone of our sauce! Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. Its sweet and tart notes are crucial for the vinaigrette.
- Olive Oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the flavor of your vinaigrette and is perfect for sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your taste.
- Dried Oregano – This classic herb adds a wonderful Mediterranean aroma and earthy depth to the balsamic sauce, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
- Garlic – Freshly minced or grated garlic is key for an aromatic and flavorful vinaigrette. It pairs perfectly with balsamic vinegar.
- Chicken Sausage – Pre-cooked chicken sausage links are a fantastic choice for this recipe. They offer lean protein, come in various flavors (e.g., Italian-style, apple), and cook quickly, contributing to the dish’s overall speed and heartiness.
- Sauteed Veggies – This is where you can truly personalize your pasta! A mix of zucchini and red onion provides a great balance of texture and sweetness, but other excellent options include bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli florets, asparagus, or snap peas. Use what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional) – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving adds a salty, umami finish. For a dairy-free version, simply omit it or use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
Beyond these core ingredients, ensure you have basic kitchen tools like a large pot for pasta, a large skillet for sautéing, and a serving bowl for tossing everything together. A whisk will also be handy for making the vinaigrette.
Crafting Your Balsamic Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful balsamic pasta to life:
- 1. Prepare the Vinaigrette. In a large serving bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This forms the flavorful base that will coat your pasta, sausage, and veggies. Set aside.
- 2. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen short-cut pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente – tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- 3. Sauté Chicken Sausage and Veggies. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of olive oil if needed. Slice the chicken sausage into rounds or half-moons and add them to the hot skillet along with your chosen vegetables (e.g., zucchini, red onion, bell peppers). Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are crisp-tender and the chicken sausage is heated through and slightly browned, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Season with an additional pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- 4. Combine and Toss. Add the hot, drained pasta directly to the large serving bowl with the prepared balsamic vinaigrette. Top with the freshly sautéed chicken sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every strand of pasta and every piece of sausage and veggie is evenly coated in the rich, tangy balsamic sauce.
- 5. Serve & Enjoy! Divide the balsamic pasta among serving plates. If desired, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while warm, allowing the flavors to truly shine.
Recipe Tips & Customization Tricks for Perfect Balsamic Pasta
This balsamic pasta recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some tips and tricks to make it uniquely yours and ensure a perfect outcome every time:
- Tailor Your Veggies. Don’t limit yourself to just zucchini and onion! Experiment with different vegetables based on personal preferences, seasonal availability, or what you need to use up in your fridge. Excellent options include:
- Leafy Greens: Fresh spinach or kale, added in the last minute of sautéing, will wilt beautifully.
- Cruciferous Veggies: Small broccoli florets or asparagus spears add a lovely texture.
- Sweet & Tangy: Halved cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) provide bursts of flavor.
- Mushrooms & Peppers: Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) and cremini mushrooms add savory depth.
- Explore Different Proteins. While chicken sausage is fantastic, feel free to swap it out to change the flavor profile or dietary focus:
- Italian Sausage: For a bolder, spicier kick, use mild or hot Italian sausage (pork or turkey). Ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled.
- Ground Turkey/Chicken: A very lean option; cook until browned and seasoned well.
- Plant-Based Alternatives: For a vegetarian or vegan version, use plant-based sausage, firm tofu (pressed and crumbled/cubed), or chickpeas for added protein.
- Infuse with Fresh Herbs. Elevate the freshness and aroma by incorporating fresh herbs. A handful of chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme, stirred in at the very end, will add a bright, herbaceous note that beautifully complements the balsamic.
- Get Cheesy! Beyond Parmesan, explore other cheese options for added creaminess and flavor. Crumbled feta or goat cheese offers a tangy counterpoint, while shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses can add a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Incorporate Nuts for Crunch. For an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or chopped walnuts over the finished pasta just before serving. Toasting them lightly in a dry skillet beforehand will bring out their best flavor.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze. For an intensified burst of sweet and tangy flavor, consider drizzling a store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze over the plated pasta. Balsamic glaze is simply balsamic vinegar that has been reduced until thick and syrupy, offering a more concentrated taste.
- Add a Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten all the flavors, adding an extra zing that complements the balsamic beautifully.
Absolutely! While shorter cuts like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are highly recommended because their shape is excellent at catching and holding the delicious sauce and all the ingredients in every bite, you can certainly use your favorite pasta shape. Spaghetti or linguine would work, though they might not incorporate the veggies and sausage quite as seamlessly. For added nutrition, feel free to use a whole wheat pasta, a protein-enriched pasta (like lentil or chickpea pasta), or any type you enjoy!
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile for dietary adjustments. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken sausage. You can replace it with plant-based sausage alternatives, firm tofu (cubed or crumbled and sautéed until golden), or even extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and chickpeas to maintain substance. For a vegan version, in addition to omitting the chicken sausage, ensure you use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or simply omit the cheese entirely.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this balsamic pasta will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prepping throughout the week or for enjoying convenient leftovers. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Furthermore, this pasta is fantastic served either warm (reheated gently) or enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, much like a pasta salad. It’s perfect for packed lunches!
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Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage & Veggies
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Ingredients
- 12 oz short cut pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, farfalle)
- 3 links pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 1/2 cups sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, red onion, bell peppers, or mushrooms
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 4 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Parmesan Cheese, for optional garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short-cut pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
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In a large serving bowl, combine all the ingredients for the balsamic vinaigrette (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper). Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated and emulsified.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and your chosen vegetables (e.g., zucchini and red onion). Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken sausage is heated through and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper as necessary.
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Add the hot, cooked pasta to the serving bowl containing the balsamic vinaigrette. Top with the freshly sautéed chicken sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the delicious balsamic sauce.
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Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your quick and flavorful weeknight meal!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Recipe Info
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