Summer Squash and Sausage Pasta Dish

Bursting with vibrant summer flavors, this Summer Squash and Sausage Pasta Dish is a hearty yet fresh meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with golden slices of yellow summer squash, zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is elevated with the bold, savory depth of Italian sausage. A touch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat, while fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese provide a fragrant, creamy finish. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this recipe effortlessly combines seasonal vegetables with comforting pasta for a balanced, flavorful dish that’s sure to please. Try it as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or a light salad, for a meal that celebrates the best flavors of summer.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Yellow summer squash, sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cups Fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 0 to taste Kosher salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the yellow summer squash and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta into the skillet, and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

Step 9

Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1273.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1547.6

Total Fat 20.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 1306.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 283.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 70.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 640.6mg	0%
Iron 18.3mg	0%
Potassium 2979.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.4%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 71.1%