This Quick 20-Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet is a fast and delicious meal! With crispy sausage and tender zucchini, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something tasty.
Cooking this dish feels like a little magic in the kitchen. It all comes together in one pan, making clean-up easy! Yum, who doesn’t love a simple and hearty meal in no time?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This dish shines with Italian sausage, which adds a wonderful flavor. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great, too!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect here, but you can substitute with yellow squash if that’s what you have. Bell peppers or asparagus can also be tasty alternatives for a different veggie twist.
Onion: I recommend using a small onion for sweetness. If you’re short on time, frozen onions can work just fine. Green onions are great for a milder flavor!
Cherry Tomatoes: These are optional but add a lovely burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, diced canned tomatoes can be a good substitute. Just drain them before adding.
How Do I Cook Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking sausage right can make or break this dish. Here’s a simple way to get good results:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough! This helps to brown the sausage nicely.
- Break it up if using ground sausage. For links, slice them into coins for even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes. You want a nice brown color on the outside. No need to rush this part!
- Remove the sausage and let it sit for a moment. This helps keep it juicy before mixing back with veggies.
Quick 20-Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced or crumbled
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick meal can be prepared in just 20 minutes! You’ll spend about 5-7 minutes cooking the sausage, followed by around 10-12 minutes prepping and cooking the veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage to the skillet—if you have sausage links, slice them first. Cook until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet (so you can capture all those delightful sausage flavors), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they soften up. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells fantastic!
3. Add the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to add the zucchini slices! Season with salt, pepper, and the dried oregano (or Italian seasoning). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still has a little crunch.
4. Optional Cherry Tomatoes:
If you’re using cherry tomatoes, stir them in now and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until warmed through.
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine and let it heat together for one more minute. Taste the mix and adjust the seasonings if you need to. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your delicious sausage and zucchini skillet right away! It’s a nutritious, easy dish you can feel good about enjoying any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Sausage Varieties?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is great for flavor, you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time as needed based on the type of sausage you choose.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix it up! Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach are all excellent additions. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the zucchini.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the sausage used is gluten-free. Check the label to avoid any added fillers that might contain gluten.
