Description
This Summer Skillet Pasta is a vibrant and hearty one-pan dish packed with zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, sausage, and melty mozzarella. Fresh basil and Italian spices make it a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner perfect for summer produce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne, rigatoni, or ziti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 large yellow squash, sliced
- 6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and yellow squash, sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté the sausage until browned, about 3 minutes.
- Add red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, zucchini, and squash back into the skillet. Toss well to combine.
- Stir in fresh basil and half of the shredded mozzarella until melty.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm with extra fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Substitute chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy andouille sausage or add red chili flakes.
- This recipe works with any short pasta shape you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: summer skillet pasta, sausage pasta recipe, zucchini and squash pasta, one pan pasta, cheesy skillet pasta