July 2, 2026 · 5 min

Hearty Italian Sausage and Zucchini Pasta with Parmesan

Lunch5 min1523 cal / serving

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of pasta to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. This recipe combines savory Italian pork sausage, tender broiled zucchini and a rich tomato sauce, all tossed with gluten-free fresh linguine and topped with Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and comforting meal that feels indulgent but comes together in no time.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish packs big flavors with minimal effort. The sausage adds a robust, meaty taste, while the zucchini brings a fresh, slightly charred element. A touch of sour cream and butter makes the sauce creamy and luscious, coating every strand of pasta. Serve it up for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.


Recipe details

Lunch5 min1523 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1523 kcalProtein46.6 gFat108.3 gCarbs91.8 gSugar56.7 gFiber3.9 gSodium2349 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: containsFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Sour Cream1.5 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Zucchini1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guide
Crushed Tomatoes1 unit Crushed TomatoesView ingredient guide
Parmesan Cheese3 tablespoon Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guide
Spaghettiounce SpaghettiView ingredient guide
Italian Pork Sausage9 ounce Italian Pork SausageView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Salt2 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Sugar1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guide
Butter0.5 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Heat the broiler to high. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry the produce. Trim the zucchini, halve it lengthwise, then slice crosswise into half-moons.
  2. Toss the zucchini on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, half the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Broil until browned and softened, 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Meanwhile, remove the sausage from its casing if necessary. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat into pieces, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.
  4. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
  5. While the pasta cooks, stir the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock concentrate and 1 teaspoon of sugar into the pan with the sausage. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced, 5-7 minutes.
  6. Stir the sour cream and butter into the sauce until melted and combined. Add the broiled zucchini and drained spaghetti; toss to coat. If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water 1 tablespoon at a time until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Divide between bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

Recipe Tips

If your pan isn’t large enough to toss everything together, carefully pour the sauce and pasta back into the empty pasta pot.

Watch the zucchini closely under the broiler to prevent burning.

Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need-it’s great for loosening the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can omit the sour cream and butter or use dairy-free alternatives. The sauce will still be flavorful, though slightly less creamy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

DandyRecipes community

Rate and discuss this recipe

Your rating and comments help other DandyRecipes readers decide what to cook next.

Your recipe vote

No DandyRecipes user votes yet.

Recipe comments

0 DandyRecipes comments

No DandyRecipes comments yet.

More recipe ideas

12 similar recipes you might like

These suggestions are based on shared ingredients, meal type, and recipe metadata.