This Quick Sausage and Zucchini Skillet is a real lifesaver! With just sausage and fresh zucchini, you get a super tasty meal ready in 20 minutes. Yum!
It’s perfect for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore. I love how the flavors blend together, and I can never say no to one-pan dishes. Less cleanup is always a win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: I recommend using a good-quality smoked sausage for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian version, plant-based sausage works well too!
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are perfect for this dish. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash is a great substitute. They have a similar texture and flavor but feel free to mix them both!
Bell Pepper: I love using red bell peppers for their sweetness, but any color will do! Green bell peppers can add a sharper taste, or if you’re feeling adventurous, switch it up with a poblano or jalapeño for a kick.
Garlic Powder: While I prefer garlic powder for convenience, fresh minced garlic will bring an extra burst of flavor. Just add it with the onions for a fresh, aromatic touch!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Vegetables?
Getting the vegetables right is key to a balanced dish. Start by sautéing onions and bell peppers until soft before adding the zucchini. This way, the zucchini won’t turn mushy. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Use a large skillet for even cooking.
- Cook the onions and bell peppers first to bring out their sweetness (3-4 minutes).
- Add the zucchini last so it retains some crunch (5-7 minutes).
- Stir occasionally, but let them sit a bit for nice browning!
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked veggies that add great flavor and texture to your dish!
Quick 20-Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or basil and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 20 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend roughly 5-7 minutes browning the sausage and about 10-12 minutes cooking the veggies to perfection. It’s a quick, delicious dinner solution!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Next, toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and brighten. This adds great flavor to your dish!
3. Add Zucchini and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add the star of the dish: zucchini! Add the chopped zucchini to the skillet along with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp. This will keep your veggies vibrant and delicious!
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything to combine. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from heat.
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your skillet meal with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving. It adds a lovely touch of freshness. Enjoy your colorful, hearty, and tasty skillet meal—ready in just 20 minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can easily substitute it with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegan sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just ensure that the sausage is pre-cooked or fully cooked through during the preparation.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time based on how long those vegetables take to become tender.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the veggies and slice the sausage ahead of time. Keep everything stored in the fridge and then just quickly cook it all together when you’re ready to eat. This will only take you about 10-15 minutes!
