If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome dish that bursts with flavor and color, the Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant combination of tender zucchini, sweet bell peppers, and savory sausage comes together in under 20 minutes for a satisfying meal perfect any day of the week. The careful blend of herbs and garlic adds a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and your plate, turning simple ingredients into a delightful dinner everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the juicy, spiced sausage adding a hearty punch, to the fresh zucchini and bell pepper bringing a crisp, colorful crunch. The seasonings weave everything together, creating that irresistible flavor you’ll want again and again.
- 2 medium zucchini (cubed): Provides moisture and a tender bite packed with nutrients.
- 1 onion (cut into ¾ inch pieces): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 1 bell pepper (any color, cut into ¾-inch pieces): Brings bright color and a mild, fresh flavor.
- 4 fully cooked sausages (sliced into circles ¼-inch thick): The star for savory, smoky richness.
- 2 ½ tbsp olive or avocado oil: Gives a silky texture and helps everything sauté beautifully.
- 1 tsp garlic (minced): Infuses a wonderful aromatic punch.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor without overpowering.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly peppery note.
- ½ tsp dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous sweetness.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for extra savoriness.
- ¼ tsp pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the flavors.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the delicious nuances.
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your sliced sausage rounds. Sauté them just until they’re nicely browned and slightly crisp on the edges—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds that deep, savory flavor foundation for the dish. After browning, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of oil. Toss in the cubed zucchini, onion pieces, and bell pepper chunks. Sprinkle your garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper right over the veggies. Stir everything together so the seasonings coat the vegetables evenly. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften beautifully—about 5 minutes. This helps the veggies release their natural sweetness while staying tender-crisp.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with your freshly cooked vegetables. Add the minced garlic at this point so it can gently toast in the skillet’s heat without burning. Stir everything well and cook for a few more minutes to marry the flavors and heat through. The aroma now will be absolutely irresistible, signaling your dish is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe
Garnishes
For a burst of garden-fresh brightness, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving. This little touch adds a lovely fragrant note and elevates the whole presentation. If you like a bit of zest, a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders too, cutting through the richness with a refreshing tang.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes soak up the flavorful juices perfectly. For lighter options, try a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve the Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe atop a bed of quinoa or cooked pasta for a hearty bowl meal. You could also pile the mixture into toasted pita pockets or wrap it in tortillas for a tasty twist on sausage and veggie wraps. These ideas add fun variety without losing the soul of this comforting skillet dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this dish again without cooking from scratch.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Portion into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You can also microwave leftovers covered to retain moisture, but stovetop reheating keeps the veggies crispier and the sausage flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of fully cooked?
Absolutely! If you use fresh sausage, cook it thoroughly first before adding the vegetables. You might want to increase the browning time to ensure it’s fully done and adds maximum flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausages and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten. Always check the labels just to be safe.
What type of sausage works best?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even smoked sausage all work beautifully here. Just choose your favorite to match your flavor preference.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach can be tossed in to customize the dish. Just add any extra veggies after the initial vegetables soften slightly.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives and use oil or vegan butter. This way, you’ll keep that savory profile while staying entirely plant-powered.
Final Thoughts
The Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe is a shining example of how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something absolutely delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick solo meal, it delivers big on flavor and comfort. I really hope you give it a go — once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes, just like it is for me!
Print
Skillet Sausage and Zucchini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Skillet Sausage and Zucchini recipe is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring sautéed fully cooked sausage, tender zucchini, and colorful bell peppers seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, this dish combines savory and fresh flavors in under 20 minutes. It’s an easy, satisfying, and balanced meal that’s naturally gluten free and low in carbohydrates.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 1 onion, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Protein
- 4 fully cooked sausages, sliced into ¼-inch thick circles
Oil & Seasonings
- 2 ½ tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the sausage: Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Add cubed zucchini, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Cook until tender: Continue cooking the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender but still retain some bite.
- Add sausage and minced garlic: Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet, add minced garlic, and stir together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot for a quick and nutritious meal.
Notes
- Use fully cooked sausage to reduce cooking time.
- Feel free to substitute bell pepper color to your preference.
- For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
