There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of pasta to satisfy a craving. This recipe takes classic spaghetti bolognese to the next level with savory Italian chicken sausage, tender broiled zucchini and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It’s quick, comforting and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.
Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss. The combination of perfectly al dente spaghetti, flavorful sausage and melted Parmesan will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe details
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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
Instructions
- Adjust rack to top position and heat broiler to high or oven to 500°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Trim and halve zucchini lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise into half-moons.
- Toss zucchini on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of olive oil and season with salt, pepper and half the Italian Seasoning (you’ll use the rest later). Broil or bake on top rack until browned and softened, 5-7 minutes. (TIP: Watch carefully to avoid burning.) Remove from oven.
- Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken sausage and remaining Italian Seasoning. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until cooked through and browned, 4-6 minutes.
- Once water is boiling, add spaghetti to pot. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Stir crushed tomatoes, stock concentrate and 1 tsp sugar (2 tsp for 4 servings) into pan with sausage. Season generously with salt (we used ½ tsp; ¾ tsp for 4) and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced, 5-7 minutes.
- Stir sour cream and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) into pan with sauce. Add spaghetti and zucchini; toss to coat. (If your pan isn’t large enough, pour everything back into large pot.) If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water 1 TBSP at a time until pasta is thoroughly coated in sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Divide between bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Recipe Tips
For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer before adding the sour cream.
Feel free to substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine or even penne. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan or omit it. The sauce will still be delicious.
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 in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.


























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