This Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that combines hearty sausage with fresh vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. The bell pepper, zucchini, and onion create a colorful and flavorful base, while the sausage adds a savory richness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a quick meal after work, this Italian Skillet Dinner is a fantastic choice. The combination of juicy sausage, tender vegetables, and herbs brings authentic Italian flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite veggies or serving it over pasta for a more filling meal.
Full Recipe:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add garlic, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and combine with the vegetable mixture. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner Overview
The Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner is a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan dish brings together the bold flavors of Italian sausage with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a light tomato sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that balances rich, savory sausage with the freshness of bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines ease and efficiency with robust flavors, making it a favorite for home cooks looking to whip up something fast without sacrificing taste or nutrition. The sausage provides a flavorful base, while the vegetables add texture, vitamins, and natural sweetness to the dish. The addition of herbs like basil and oregano enhances the Italian-inspired profile, creating a balanced meal in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Italian Sausage: The star of the dish, Italian sausage brings in spices, richness, and a satisfying, meaty texture. You can opt for spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference. Turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Bell Peppers and Zucchini: These vegetables not only add vibrant colors to the dish but also offer a light, slightly sweet contrast to the sausage. They cook quickly and retain some texture, adding variety to every bite.
- Canned Tomatoes: This ingredient brings a slightly tangy flavor and moisture to the dish, helping to blend all the other flavors together into a cohesive sauce.
- Garlic and Onions: Essential aromatics that give the base of the dish depth and complexity, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this skillet dinner over your favorite pasta for a heartier option.
- For a low-carb version, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to finish off the dish with a salty, savory punch.
- Serve with a crusty bread on the side to mop up the sauce.
Variations
- Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable sauté for a bit of heat.
- More Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to the skillet for added nutrition and variety.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or top with shredded cheese and bake for a few minutes to create a cheesy layer on top.
- Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten up the dish, but you can also experiment with rosemary or thyme for an earthy twist.
Make it Your Own
This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a lighter dish, swap out the sausage for lean chicken sausage or go completely meat-free by using plant-based sausage alternatives. You can also make it more filling by stirring in cooked quinoa, couscous, or farro before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, this dish provides a nutritious and satisfying meal. Italian sausage is high in protein and adds heartiness, while the vegetables supply fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For those following gluten-free or low-carb diets, this dish can be enjoyed as-is or modified to fit dietary needs by serving it with cauliflower rice or gluten-free pasta.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet is a great candidate for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for lunch or dinner the next day. If you’re planning meals for the week, make a big batch and divide it into portions for an easy grab-and-go option.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to brown the sausage well to develop deeper flavor. Removing it from the skillet while you cook the vegetables prevents it from overcooking and helps retain its juicy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end. Taste the dish before serving and add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the skillet simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner: A Weeknight Favorite
This Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner is a hearty and versatile dish that’s ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. The combination of savory Italian sausage, crisp-tender vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce makes it a flavorful, well-balanced meal. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity—you can prepare it in one skillet in under 30 minutes, making cleanup a breeze while also delivering a restaurant-quality dish.
The Origins of Italian Sausage in Cooking
Italian sausage, typically made from pork and seasoned with fennel, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices, has long been a staple in Italian cuisine. It’s often used in pasta dishes, casseroles, and soups, and its bold flavor makes it an excellent base for meals like this skillet dinner. Whether it’s mild or spicy, Italian sausage adds depth to the dish, pairing beautifully with vegetables and tomatoes.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Italian cuisine and wine are a match made in heaven, and this skillet dinner is no exception. Whether you’re serving this dish for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, a well-paired wine can elevate the experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Red Wine: A light to medium-bodied red, such as Chianti, Barbera, or Sangiovese, will complement the hearty sausage and tomatoes without overpowering the dish. These wines have enough acidity to balance the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the vegetables.
- White Wine: If you prefer white, go for something crisp with good acidity, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines will contrast nicely with the richness of the sausage and enhance the freshness of the vegetables.
- Rosé: A dry rosé can also be an excellent choice, offering a balance of fruity and savory notes that match the dish’s ingredients.
Serving Ideas for Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner
While this dish stands on its own as a complete meal, you can also serve it alongside some complementary sides to round out the dinner:
- Pasta: For a more traditional Italian meal, serve the skillet over a bed of al dente pasta like penne or rigatoni. The sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of Italian bread or a garlic bread would be a great way to soak up the savory tomato sauce. This also adds a comforting, rustic touch to the meal.
- Salad: Pair this skillet dinner with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness. A simple Caesar salad or arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would work well.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is another excellent accompaniment. Its smooth texture and mild flavor complement the bold sausage and vegetable mixture, providing a comforting, hearty addition to the meal.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it effectively:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat or the microwave to warm through until piping hot.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen. Allow the skillet dinner to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop over low heat until fully reheated.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re planning to double the recipe for future meals, consider freezing the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture separately from the sauce. This way, the texture of the vegetables and sausage stays intact when reheated.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious. Here’s a quick rundown of the health benefits of the key ingredients:
- Italian Sausage (when opting for lean versions): A good source of protein, iron, and Vitamin B12, which supports energy metabolism and red blood cell production.
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radical damage and support immune health.
- Zucchini: Low in calories and rich in fiber, zucchini is great for digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart health benefits, as well as vitamins A and C.
- Garlic and Onion: Both garlic and onion have anti-inflammatory properties and help boost the immune system.
Tips for Success
- Timing is Key: This dish comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Pre-slicing the vegetables and prepping the garlic ahead of time will streamline the process.
- Keep the Heat Steady: Make sure not to cook the vegetables on too high heat, as you want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite. Overcooking can result in mushy veggies.
- Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs like parsley and basil to garnish the dish before serving. They add a burst of color and brightness, making the dish even more visually appealing and aromatic.
Conclusion
The Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and easy customization options, this one-skillet meal balances the rich flavors of sausage with fresh vegetables, all in a light tomato sauce. It’s adaptable to various dietary needs, from low-carb to gluten-free, and can be personalized with different proteins, veggies, or even a splash of wine. Whether served over pasta, paired with a crusty bread, or enjoyed as-is, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!