Zucchini & Tomato Pasta in Creamy Dijon Sauce

I dreamed up this creamy dijon sauce one day last week; I've never had or made anything like this, but it just sounded good in my head. Creamy sour cream with the spice of some dijon mustard and the sweet of some honey. I decided to toss it with whole wheat rotini pasta, slivered grape tomatoes, sauteed zucchini and some chicken sausage for a good protein addition to round out the dish. It's always nice when I can incorporate all the food groups in one pile of food ;).  

Zucchini & Tomato Pasta in Creamy Dijon Sauce

12 oz. whole wheat rotini, cooked according to package directions

12 oz. package chicken sausage (any flavor)

1 medium zucchini, cubed

1/2 cup grape tomatoes, sliced lengthwise

3/4 cup light sour cream

1 T dijon mustard

2 tsp honey

zest of 1 lemon + juice from half the lemon

fresh chives, finely diced to garnish

Get a large pot of water boiling and start cooking your pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Cut the sausage in thin rounds on the diagonal and sear on both sides (chicken sausage is already cooked, so you're just searing it). Meanwhile cube the zucchini and slice the tomatoes.

When the sausage is finished, set aside and cook the zucchini in the same pan for just a few minutes; enough to slightly brown but still keeping it crispy (no soggy zucchini please). Set aside. 

Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from your pasta, then drain the noodles and return to the same pot. Go ahead and add the sliced tomatoes so they soften a bit with the steam from the noodles. Meantime, make the creamy dijon my whisking together in a small bowl the sour cream, dijon, honey, and lemon. Taste for your likeness and adjust honey and/or dijon.

Add the zucchini and sausage to the pasta pot and combine well, then add the creamy dijon and combine well. If the mixture is a little stiff, add a tablespoon or two of the cooking water to the pot and stir. You may or may not need this.

Serve immediately, topping with fresh chives.

PS - life is crazy in the Goodwin house lately, so no time for pics these days!