Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this Skillet Sausage and Zucchini recipe is perfect! With its vibrant mix of sausage, zucchini, peppers, and onions, this dish is not only flavorful but also healthy. It’s Whole30 compliant, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a great choice for various dietary needs. Whether you need a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this savory skillet dish has you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This skillet dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean sausage, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of garlic, oregano, and basil adds depth to the dish while keeping it simple.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This Skillet Sausage and Zucchini can be made in advance and reheated for easy lunches or dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet is crucial for even cooking and browning the sausage perfectly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space to chop your vegetables efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for quicker preparation time.
- Spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients without damaging your skillet’s surface.
Ingredients
For this Skillet Sausage and Zucchini recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini (cubed)
- 1 onion (cut into ¾ inch pieces)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, cut into ¾-inch pieces)
Sausage
- 4 fully cooked sausages (sliced into circles ¼-inch thick)
Seasonings
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Oils
- 2 ½ tbsp olive or avocado oil
Garnish
- Fresh basil (for garnish optional)
Additional Ingredient
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
How to Make Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
When the oil is hot:
1. Add the chopped sausage slices to the skillet.
2. Sauté until they are browned on both sides (about a few minutes).
3. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium:
1. Add remaining 1 ½ tbsp of oil to the skillet.
2. Add cubed zucchini, onion pieces, and bell pepper.
3. Sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, basil, onion powder, pepper, and salt; stir well.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Until Tender
Cook until the onion becomes translucent and vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the sautéed sausage back into the skillet:
1. Add minced garlic.
2. Stir everything together and cover for a few minutes so flavors meld.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Enjoy your Skillet Sausage and Zucchini as a wholesome meal that comes together in no time!
How to Serve Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
Serving Skillet Sausage and Zucchini is simple and versatile. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs well with a variety of sides or garnishes to enhance its flavor.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for added aroma and a burst of freshness.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley can provide a nice color contrast and a mild flavor.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Brown Rice: Serve the skillet mixture over brown rice for a wholesome grain option.
- Quinoa: This protein-packed grain complements the dish well, adding texture.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Romaine Lettuce: Use large romaine leaves as wraps for a low-carb alternative that adds crunch.
- Butter Lettuce: These soft leaves are perfect for creating bite-sized portions.
With Avocado
- Sliced Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices on top for healthy fats and richness.
- Guacamole: A dollop of guacamole can enhance the flavors even further.
How to Perfect Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Skillet Sausage and Zucchini, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Sausages: Opt for high-quality sausages with no fillers to enhance overall taste.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté in batches if necessary to achieve proper browning on the sausage.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices like oregano or basil based on your personal preference.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh zucchini, onions, and peppers give the best flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
Pairing side dishes with your Skillet Sausage and Zucchini can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent choices:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes a great companion, perfect for soaking up any juices.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sausage.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrients and color without overwhelming flavors.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous provides an easy-to-make grain that absorbs flavors well.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that offers a mild base for this hearty dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Skillet Sausage and Zucchini, avoid these common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Ignoring ingredient sizes: Cutting vegetables and sausage to different sizes can affect cooking times. Keep them uniform for even cooking.
- Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too many ingredients at once, they will steam instead of sauté. Cook in batches if necessary for that perfect browning.
- Not preheating the skillet: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil and ingredients.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting as you cook is crucial. You might need to adjust seasonings based on personal preference, so don’t skip this step.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1 minute) until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, stirring until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Skillet Sausage and Zucchini to help you perfect your dish.
How can I customize Skillet Sausage and Zucchini?
You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. Use different types of sausage for varied flavors.
Is Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Whole30 compliant?
Yes, this recipe is Whole30 compliant as it uses whole ingredients without added sugars or grains.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Any fully cooked sausage works well, such as chicken, turkey, or pork sausages. Choose your favorite flavor!
Can I make Skillet Sausage and Zucchini ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Skillet Sausage and Zucchini is not only a quick meal but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals!
Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Skillet Sausage and Zucchini is the perfect weeknight meal that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish featuring savory sausage, fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. This Whole30 compliant, gluten-free recipe caters to a variety of dietary needs while delivering a hearty and satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this one-pan wonder ensures you enjoy wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (cubed)
- 1 onion (cut into ¾-inch pieces)
- 1 bell pepper (cut into ¾-inch pieces)
- 4 fully cooked sausages (sliced)
- 2 ½ tbsp olive or avocado oil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- Fresh basil (for garnish optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausages and sauté until browned on both sides. Remove from pan.
- Lower heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil.
- Add zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with seasonings and stir well.
- Cook until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes).
- Return sausages to the skillet along with minced garlic. Stir together and cover to meld flavors for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
