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- 1 lb Italian chicken or turkey sausage, sliced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 zucchini, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish To make my Sausage and Veggie Skillet, I use fresh and simple ingredients. The choice of sausage impacts the flavor. I prefer Italian chicken or turkey sausage for its rich taste and lower fat content. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. You can use red or yellow, whichever you prefer. Zucchini brings a nice crunch and pairs well with the other veggies. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice and add a fresh taste. I use fresh spinach for nutrition and a lovely green color. Onions and garlic are the backbone of this dish. They create a base that makes everything taste better. Olive oil is my go-to for cooking. It adds healthy fats and depth of flavor. Dried oregano and paprika give it that classic Italian flair. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to balance everything. For garnish, fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and bright flavor. This mix of ingredients makes the dish colorful, healthy, and very tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 medium chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. - Next, add 1 pound of sliced Italian chicken or turkey sausage. Cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often to brown evenly. - Mix in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells good. - Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 chopped zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies start to soften. - Then, mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes. The tomatoes should burst and release their juices. - Fold in 1 cup of spinach leaves and cook for 2 more minutes until they wilt. - Remove the skillet from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. - Portion the dish into 4 servings and enjoy! - Choosing the best sausage: I recommend using Italian chicken or turkey sausage. These have great flavor and are leaner. Look for ones without fillers for a healthier option. - Tips for cutting vegetables evenly: Cut all the veggies to similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. For bell peppers, remove seeds and slice in strips. Zucchini should be cut into half-moons. Aim for about half an inch thick. - Cooking times for optimal texture: Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes until brown. Saute the onions for 3-4 minutes until soft. The bell peppers and zucchini take about 4-5 minutes. This keeps all veggies tender yet crisp. - Suggested seasoning additions: Besides oregano and paprika, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well. - Alternative oils for sautéing: If you want a different flavor, use avocado oil or canola oil. These have high smoke points and enhance the dish. - Recommended sides to pair: Serve this skillet with crusty bread or over rice. Both options soak up the tasty juices and balance the meal. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor. Chicken or turkey sausage is a healthier option without sacrificing taste. Veggie Variations: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus for a personal touch. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While basil and parsley are great garnishes, consider adding fresh thyme or oregano for an aromatic twist. One-Pan Wonder: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. {{image_2}} You can change the veggies in this dish to mix things up. Try using broccoli, green beans, or carrots. Each adds new colors and flavors. You can also use different types of sausage. Try spicy sausage for heat or smoked sausage for a rich taste. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, choose plant-based sausage. You can also skip the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms or eggplant. To make it extra creamy, add cheese. A sprinkle of mozzarella or feta can do wonders. If you like heat, add chili flakes while cooking. This gives the dish a nice kick. For international flavors, think about adding curry powder for an Indian twist or cumin for a Mexican flair. You can also try fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for a fresh taste. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite version! To keep your sausage and veggie skillet fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal it tightly. This helps keep out air and moisture. Your leftovers will stay good for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the skillet dish, let it cool first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, the stovetop works best. Start by placing the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir often until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, put your serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it for one minute, then stir. Heat in 30-second bursts until hot, checking often. Enjoy your tasty meal again! You can make this dish healthier by using lean sausage. Look for chicken or turkey sausage. Use more veggies for added nutrients. You can add broccoli, kale, or carrots. Try cooking with less oil. Instead of two tablespoons, use just one. Season with herbs to boost flavor without extra fat. Lastly, avoid adding salt until the end to control sodium. Yes, you can prep this meal ahead of time. Chop the veggies and slice the sausage in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also cook the dish fully and store it. Just keep it in an airtight container. It will last for about three to four days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you don’t have spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard. Both greens add great flavor and nutrients. You can also use arugula for a peppery kick. Another option is to use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it before adding. These swaps will still give you a tasty and colorful dish. Yes, the Sausage and Veggie Skillet is gluten-free. Just ensure your sausage is labeled gluten-free. Most chicken and turkey sausages are safe. All the vegetables and spices used are also gluten-free. This dish is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy it worry-free! This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty sausage and veggie skillet. We outlined key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to swap ingredients and store leftovers, too. This dish is not only simple; it’s also flexible and full of flavor. Feel free to get creative with your choices. Enjoy your cooking, and make it your own!

Sassy Sausage and Veggie Skillet

A flavorful skillet dish featuring Italian sausage and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian chicken or turkey sausage, sliced
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 piece zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown the sausage evenly.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Mix in the cherry tomatoes, oregano, and paprika, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes burst and release their juices.
  • Fold in the spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword easy, sausage, skillet, vegetables