Keto One Pot Sausage and Zucchini Bucatini
A hearty one-pot pasta dish that combines spicy Italian sausage with tender zucchini and fresh thyme in a savory chicken stock base. The bucatini absorbs the flavorful cooking liquid while the sausage adds richness and the zucchini provides a fresh vegetable element. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The dish finishes with freshly grated Parmesan that melts into the pasta, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 spicy Italian sausages, casings removedsweet Italian sausage1:1milder
reduces heat level
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise, then thinly sliced into half circles
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons thyme, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- ½ pound bucatinipenne or rigatoni1:1shape swap
shorter pasta works well
- ½ cup Parmesan, freshly grated
- salt(optional)
- pepper(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat
- 2
Sauté sausage until browned and crumbled
- 3
Add onions and sauté
- 4
Add zucchini, garlic and thyme and continue to sauté
- 5
Season with salt and pepper
- 6
Pour stock into pot and bring to boil
- 7
Add pasta and lower heat to medium
- 8
Simmer stirring occasionally until most liquid has evaporated and pasta is al dente
- 9
Season with salt and pepper
- 10
Top pasta with parmesan and toss until well combined
- 11
Adjust seasonings and serve with more parmesan and thyme
Tips
Remove sausage casings before cooking for easier browning and better texture distribution
Slice zucchini thinly to ensure even cooking and prevent mushiness
Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can prep vegetables up to 1 day ahead, store covered in refrigerator
Serve immediately while hot, topped with additional Parmesan and fresh thyme
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook zucchini to avoid mushy texture
Stir pasta regularly to prevent sticking to bottom of pot
Don't add all liquid at once to prevent overflow
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
reduces heat level
shorter pasta works well
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short to medium pasta works well. Penne, rigatoni, or shells are good substitutes for bucatini in this recipe.
What if I don't have fresh thyme?
Use 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme instead. Add it with the garlic and reduce cooking time slightly.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water to restore moisture.