Chicken Sausage Cavatappi Bolognese

Overview

A bowl of pasta never fails to satisfy — it’s quick, carby, comforting, and our total weeknight go-to. When you add sweet Italian chicken sausage, tender bites of zucchini, and Parmesan to the equation, you’ve reached another level of deliciousness entirely.

Inspired by HelloFresh, this dish brings together bold, creamy tomato flavor with the richness of sausage and the freshness of roasted veggies.

• Serves: 6
• Prep Time: ~5 minutes
• Cook Time: ~30 minutes

Estimated Calories & Sources

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories	Source
Italian Chicken Sausage	27 oz (765 g)	~1,470 kcal	FatSecret
Cavatappi Pasta (dry)	18 oz (510 g)	~1,890 kcal	FatSecret
Zucchini	3 medium (525 g)	~90 kcal	FatSecret
Yellow Onion	3 medium (450 g)	~180 kcal	FatSecret
Tomato Paste	4.5 oz (128 g)	~135 kcal	FatSecret
Sour Cream	6 tbsp (90 g)	~180 kcal	FatSecret
Parmesan Cheese	¾ cup (3 oz / 85 g)	~330 kcal	FatSecret
Olive Oil	~2 tbsp (28 g)	~240 kcal	FatSecret
Butter	3 tbsp (42 g)	~300 kcal	FatSecret

Total (approx): 4,815 kcal
Per serving (6 servings): ~802 kcal

Ingredients

Produce

• 3 zucchinis (cut into ½-inch half-moons)
• 3 yellow onions (thinly sliced)

Pantry

• 18 oz cavatappi pasta
• 4.5 oz tomato paste
• 3 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for roasting)
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt & pepper

Dairy

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
• 6 tbsp sour cream

Protein

• 27 oz Italian chicken sausage

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Wash and dry all produce.
3. Trim and halve zucchinis lengthwise; slice into ½-inch half-moons.
4. Halve, peel, and thinly slice onions.

Step 2: Roast the Zucchini

1. Toss zucchini on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, half the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast for 14–16 minutes, tossing halfway through, until browned and tender.
3. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add cavatappi and cook until al dente, 9–11 minutes.
3. Reserve 1½ cups of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 4: Cook Aromatics & Sausage

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced onion with salt and pepper; cook until softened, 5–6 minutes.
3. Add chicken sausage, breaking it into pieces.
4. Cook until browned and cooked through, 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in tomato paste and remaining Italian seasoning.
2. Cook for ~1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in reserved pasta water, season with a pinch of sugar (optional), salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in sour cream and butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Finish the Pasta

1. Add drained cavatappi, roasted zucchini, and half the Parmesan.
2. Toss everything together until well coated.
3. Add additional splashes of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Serve

1. Divide pasta between bowls.
2. Top with remaining Parmesan.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
• Swap cavatappi for rigatoni, penne, or fusilli.
• Stir in an extra knob of butter before serving for added richness.