Description
This hearty Italian sausage and vegetable skillet is a delicious one-pan meal featuring savory sausage, fresh veggies, and creamy cannellini beans. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering both satisfaction and nutrition in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about a minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Aim for bite-sized chunks.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until its browned and cooked through. You want to see a nice golden color on the sausage, which adds flavor to the dish.
- Once the sausage is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet; theyll add great flavor to the vegetables.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Now, toss in the sliced zucchinis. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the cannellini beans. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust later if needed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After simmering, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Once youre satisfied with the flavor, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.
- Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a more filling meal.
- A simple green salad or crusty bread makes a great side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- For a healthier option, substitute turkey sausage or add more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes