Spicy Sausage and Zucchini Linguine with Parmesan

This hearty pasta dish brings together sweet Italian sausage, fresh zucchini and a tomato-based sauce with a hint of chili heat. It’s a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

The combination of savory sausage, tender zucchini and al dente linguine is elevated by a squeeze of lemon and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for those who love a little spice in their life!

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Ingredients

9 ounce Sweet Italian Pork SausageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce LinguineView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Dried ThymeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 box Diced TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise, then cut into ½-inch pieces. Halve, peel and finely dice the onion. Mince or grate the garlic. Cut half the lemon into wedges. Remove the sausage from its casing.
2. Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and season with salt and pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same pan, add the onion and zucchini. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes (use ¼ teaspoon for mild heat or more if you like it spicy). Cook over medium heat until the onion softens and the zucchini is browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Return the sausage to the pan. Add the diced tomatoes and season with pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook while the pasta finishes.
6. Drain the linguine and add it to the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine. Squeeze the lemon half over the pasta and toss again. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Serve the pasta in bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based Italian sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

How do I store leftovers?

Store 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.