Sausage Zucchini Pasta

5 stars

We plant a garden every year.  So, this time of year we have a lot of zucchini. Last year, we had so much that we couldn't even give it all away!  I came up with this recipe just for our garden.

Sausage Zucchini Pasta

Prep Time:  15 min.  Cook Time:  20 min.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. sausage  (I use sweet Italian sausage)

2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 1/2 t. minced garlic

1/2 large red onion, diced
1 Large zucchini or 2 small

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 T. tomato paste

1 t. Italian Herb mixture

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Pour 1 T. of extra virgin olive oil into a saute pan.  Over med-high heat add the sausage (casing removed) and break into small bite size pieces as you are cooking. Cook until no longer pink.

Set aside to drain the grease.

In the same saute pan add  1 T. of extra virgin olive oil, diced red onion and garlic.  Saute until onion is clear (around 3-4 minutes).

At this point I remove the onions and garlic and run it through my mini food processor.  If my daughter sees an onion in her food she won't eat it.  If this doesn't apply to you, then skip this step.

Add sausage back to the pan.  Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste (I use the paste that comes in a tube so nothing is wasted), and Italian seasonings.

Let simmer until you pasta is done. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve.

For the pasta I have used all different kinds, it really depends what I have in the pantry.  On this day, we had rotini.

Enjoy!

Sausage Zucchini Pasta

Easy Summer Supper

Here in Michigan it has been window weather, high 70's, a nice breeze. It's been wonderful.  Yesterday I made dinner inside and our house turned into a hot box, so today I knew that I needed to find something to cook outside. Add to that to the fact we are going away for a week and I needed to rid our house of all our veggies, I came up with this meal.  It was so good.  My husband went back for seconds and even my picky eater son ate it!

On the menu:
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled Avocado
Grilled Romaine Lettuce


Easy Grilled Chicken:
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast with Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Seasoning.  Grill until done, about 9-10 minutes each side depending on your grill.

Grilled Zucchini:
In the morning, cut 2 medium zucchinis in thick slices.  In a baggy place zucchini with 1/2 cup of Italian Dressing, 1 t.  of Italian Seasoning mix, and 1/2 t. garlic powder.

Place on grill and leave for 3-4 minutes.  Turn 180 degrees and grill for 3-4 more minutes.  Flip and grill until soft in the middle, about 5 minutes more depending on your grill.

Serve with ranch dressing.

Grilled Avocado:
Chill your avocado overnight in the fridge.  Right before grilling, cut in half, remove seed, and sprinkle with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.

Place on grill for 5 minutes or until the flesh is lightly browned.

Grilled Romaine Lettuce:
Cut in half.  Sprinkle with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.  Grill for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.

Enjoy!

Easy Summer Supper