Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the Sausage: Cut the sausage into 1/2-inch pieces. If using sausage links, you can also remove the casing and crumble the sausage.
- Slice the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, red onion, zucchinis, and prepare the broccoli florets. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, zucchinis, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat the veggies evenly with the seasonings.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Combine the Sausage and Veggies: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Sausage and Veggies Skillet
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Choose a high-quality sausage with good flavor, whether it’s Italian, chicken, turkey, or another variety.
- Uniform Veggie Cuts: Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the veggies and sausage brown nicely rather than steam.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. Add more or less spice, herbs, or garlic as desired.
Variations
- Spicy Skillet: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.
- Cheesy Skillet: Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
- Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.
- Low Carb: Keep it low-carb by sticking to non-starchy vegetables and opting for a lower-carb sausage.
Final Thoughts
A sausage and veggies skillet is a versatile and delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time. It’s perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a quick and healthy meal. With its colorful array of vegetables and savory sausage, this skillet is not only pleasing to the eye but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy making and devouring this delightful dish!