Zesty Zucchini and Sausage Pasta Delight

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2.In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3.Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

4.Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

5.Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still crisp.

6.Add the halved cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

7.Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture in the skillet. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

8.Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.