Sausage And Veggies Skillet Recipe

Fresh & Savory Sausage And Veggies Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack serious flavor, and this sausage and veggies skillet delivers exactly what you need.

One-pan magic happens when juicy sausage meets colorful seasonal vegetables in a delightful culinary dance.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of hearty protein and fresh, crisp produce.

The skillet creates a beautiful caramelization that locks in rich, robust flavors without complicated techniques.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this recipe a weeknight warrior’s dream.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients transform into a mouthwatering meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to savor every single forkful of this irresistible skillet sensation.

Why Sausage Veggie Skillets Make Great Meals

Why Sausage Veggie Skillets Make Great Meals
  • Maximize taste and minimize cleanup with this skillet recipe that builds layers of flavor by cooking sausage and vegetables in the same pan, capturing every delicious brown bit and spicy dripping.
  • Embrace a colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and corn that adds nutritional punch and visual appeal, making this dish a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your meals while keeping things exciting and delicious.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, trying different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste preferences and what's available in your kitchen.

Sausage and Veggie Skillet Ingredients You’ll Love

Main Protein:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and smoky depth to the skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet and slightly charred flavor to the skillet.
  • Zucchini: Adds a tender texture with golden brown edges and a nutty taste.
  • Corn: Brings a sweet and fresh element to the overall dish.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook the ingredients and prevents sticking.
  • Chili Powder: Adds a spicy and smoky seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that complements the other ingredients.

How to Make a One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Skillet

How to Make a One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Skillet

Step 1: Slice And Sizzle Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cut cooked sausage into thin coin-shaped pieces.

Place sausage slices in a single layer, allowing them to brown for five minutes without moving.

Flip the pieces and cook for another three minutes.

Transfer sausage to a large plate, keeping the flavorful brown bits in the pan.

Step 2: Roast Colorful Vegetables

Add diced bell peppers to the same skillet, using remaining sausage oil if needed.

Sauté peppers for four minutes until slightly charred and tender.

Move peppers to the plate with sausage.

Next, cook zucchini in the skillet for three minutes, aiming for golden brown edges.

Carefully slice corn kernels off the cob and set aside.

Step 3: Combine And Season Skillet Mixture

Return sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to the skillet.

Gently toss ingredients to coat with pan drippings.

Sprinkle chili powder over the mixture, stirring to distribute seasoning evenly.

Warm everything on low heat.

Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.

Tips for Balancing Flavor and Texture

Tips for Balancing Flavor and Texture
  • Let sausage slices sit undisturbed in the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, which develops rich, caramelized flavors.
  • Use leftover sausage oil when sautéing vegetables to add extra flavor and prevent ingredients from sticking to the skillet.
  • Cook zucchini until golden brown edges appear, transforming its flavor into a nutty, almost buttery experience.
  • Sprinkle chili powder directly into the skillet and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spicy, smoky notes across all ingredients.
  • Add chopped fresh cilantro at the very end to introduce a bright, fresh element that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Your Veggie Skillet

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cool the skillet completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread leftovers evenly and stir gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through, which helps restore the original crispy edges and keeps flavors vibrant.

What to Serve With a Sausage and Veggie Skillet

  • Savor Spicy Spanish Rioja: This bold red wine perfectly complements the smoky sausage and spicy chili powder, creating a rich flavor explosion that dances on your palate.
  • Pair with Crisp Citrus Salad: A zesty lime and herb salad cuts through the richness of the sausage, balancing the dish with bright, refreshing notes that cleanse your taste buds.
  • Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Soak up those delicious pan drippings and sausage oils with thick slices of rustic bread, adding a satisfying textural contrast to the skillet meal.
  • Complement with Cool Cucumber Yogurt: A creamy, tangy yogurt sauce with diced cucumber provides a cooling counterpoint to the warm, spicy skillet, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Variations for This Hearty Skillet Combo

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace corn and zucchini with riced cauliflower and sliced mushrooms for a keto-friendly version that maintains the skillet's hearty texture.
  • Vegetarian Protein Delight: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled extra-firm tofu seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder for a meat-free alternative.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Use chorizo instead of standard sausage, add kalamata olives, swap cilantro for fresh parsley, and include a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Boost: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary for additional depth, and serve with a side of quinoa for a complete meal that accommodates gluten-sensitive diners.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various sausage types like Italian, chorizo, or chicken sausage. Just ensure they’re pre-cooked and sliced into similar-sized coins for even cooking.

  • Do I need any special skills to make this skillet dish?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. Basic knife skills for chopping vegetables and the ability to sauté are all you need. The steps are simple and straightforward.

  • Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vegetables and lean protein. The dish is low-carb, nutrient-dense, and uses minimal oil. You’re getting a balanced meal with vegetables, protein, and great flavors.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace sausage with plant-based sausage or firm tofu. You’ll want to adjust cooking times and add extra seasoning to maintain the rich flavor profile of the original recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sausage And Veggies Skillet Recipe

Sausage And Veggies Skillet Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sausage and veggies skillet delivers hearty comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Savory sausage mingles with colorful vegetables, creating a one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) sausage, cooked (cajun, andouille, or smoked sausage)

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups (300 grams) corn kernels (from 3 completely cooked ears)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large zucchini, sliced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sausage by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (375°F). Slice the cooked sausage into thin coins and arrange in a single layer. Allow to sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes, then transfer to a large plate, preserving the flavorful pan drippings.
  2. Sauté diced bell peppers in the same skillet, using the residual sausage oil. Cook for 4 minutes until edges become slightly charred and peppers soften. Transfer peppers to the plate with sausage. Add zucchini to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes to develop golden brown edges and a nutty flavor profile.
  3. Remove corn kernels from the cob carefully. Combine sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and corn back into the skillet. Gently toss to integrate all ingredients and coat with pan drippings. Sprinkle chili powder evenly across the mixture, stirring to distribute seasoning thoroughly.
  4. Reduce heat to low, warming the entire mixture for 2 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving, adding a bright, herbal finish to the skillet dish.

Notes

  • Customize sausage selection based on dietary needs, choosing chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for lighter protein options.
  • Maximize flavor by selecting high-quality sausages with robust spices like Spanish chorizo or Italian hot links for deeper taste profiles.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or substituting with smoked paprika for milder heat without compromising complexity.
  • Enhance vegetable nutrition by using seasonal produce and varying color combinations to increase visual appeal and nutritional diversity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star