One-Pan Zucchini & Garlic Chicken Sausage Tortellini – Pasta Night Just Got an Upgrade

Pasta night is a tradition in our house. At least once a week, I pull out the pot, boil up some pasta, and we all gather around the table for a big, comforting bowl of carbs. Usually, it’s spaghetti because… well… kids. But this week, I decided to shake things up. And let me tell you — it was one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments.

This recipe is brand new to our rotation (and nope, it’s not in my What We Had for Dinner cookbook). But it’s exactly the kind of meal I love sharing with you — quick, flavorful, and picky eater approved. Even my child who usually tries to negotiate zucchini off her plate went back for seconds.

Here’s how it came together: I had a pack of garlic cheese chicken sausage in the fridge, two zucchinis from the farmers market, and a package of cheese tortellini. The plan came together instantly — a one-pan pasta that’s just as easy as spaghetti but way more exciting.

The key to this recipe is starting with a good sear. Browning the chicken sausage brings out all that garlicky, cheesy flavor, and sautéing the zucchini in the same pan gives it this gorgeous golden edge. From there, it’s basically a dump-and-simmer situation: in go the tomatoes, tortellini, broth, and fresh basil. Ten minutes later, dinner is done.

The basil gives it a pop of freshness, the tortellini is pillowy and cheesy, and the sausage ties it all together with savory, garlicky goodness. And the best part? It’s one pan, which means minimal cleanup — a weeknight miracle in my book.