Savory Chicken Sausage & Zucchini Bake
This hearty Savory Chicken Sausage & Zucchini Bake combines the wholesome flavors of chicken sausage and fresh zucchini with the satisfying texture of brown rice penne pasta. Perfect for sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or providing a nourishing meal for loved ones in need, this casserole delivers a delightful balance of protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s a dish that will warm the hearts and bellies of everyone who tries it.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown Rice Penne Pasta
2 1/2 cups (Cook according to package instructions.)
Chicken Sausage
8-12 ounces (Slice or crumble into bite-sized pieces.)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Zucchini
5-6 cups (Thinly sliced or shredded (about 1 1/2 pounds).)
Onions
2 cups (Chopped.)
Celtic Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste.)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste.)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Pressed.)
Chicken Broth
2/3 cup (Homemade is best.)
Arrowroot Powder
2 teaspoons (For thickening.)
Feta Cheese
1/2 cup (Crumbled.)
Mozzarella Cheese
2/3 cup (Shredded.)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the brown rice penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, slice or crumble the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the thinly sliced zucchini and chopped onions. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.
5
Add the Celtic sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and pressed garlic cloves to the sautéed veggies. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6
In a small bowl, make a slurry by mixing the chicken broth with the arrowroot powder until smooth. Pour this mixture into the vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
7
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
8
Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish (or leave it in the oven-proof skillet) and cover with aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken Sausage & Zucchini Bake?
It is a hearty casserole combining chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and brown rice penne pasta with a blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of brown rice penne pasta, which should be cooked al dente.
How much chicken sausage is required?
You will need between 8 to 12 ounces of chicken sausage, sliced or crumbled into bite-sized pieces.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using brown rice penne pasta and arrowroot powder as a thickener instead of flour, this dish is gluten-free.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How much zucchini do I need?
The recipe requires 5 to 6 cups of zucchini, which is approximately 1 1/2 pounds.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be thinly sliced or shredded before being sauteed.
How much onion is used in the bake?
You will need 2 cups of chopped onions.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sauteing the vegetables.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt, or you can add it to taste.
How much black pepper should be added?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or adjust to your preference.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 pressed garlic cloves.
How much chicken broth is used for the sauce?
You will need 2/3 cup of chicken broth, and the recipe suggests that homemade is best.
What is the purpose of arrowroot powder?
Arrowroot powder is used in combination with chicken broth to create a slurry that thickens the sauce.
How much feta cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How should I cook the pasta?
Cook the brown rice penne in a large pot according to package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
How do I prepare the chicken sausage?
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
Saute the sliced zucchini and chopped onions in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
When do I add the garlic and seasonings?
Add the salt, pepper, and garlic after the vegetables have softened and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
How do I make the sauce thicken?
Mix the broth and arrowroot powder into a smooth slurry, then pour it into the vegetable mixture and stir constantly until thick.
When should I add the cheese to the mixture?
The feta and mozzarella should be gently folded into the skillet mixture once the sauce has thickened and the sausage is returned to the pan.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
You can use a standard casserole dish or an oven-proof skillet.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the mixture is heated through and the cheese has melted.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is ready when it is heated through and the cheese is completely melted.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the bake cool slightly before serving it warm.
Is this recipe good for crowds?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for potlucks and family gatherings as it is easy to share and very satisfying.
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that homemade chicken broth is the best option for this dish.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish offers a satisfying texture from the penne pasta, golden-brown sausage, and melty, cheesy goodness.