Description
A crisp, fragrant skillet dinner featuring spicy Italian sausages, tender vegetables, and a bright herb finish for a refined weeknight centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lb (700 g) spicy Italian sausages (about 6 links), casings scored
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced ½-inch thick
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed then thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste, dissolved in a splash of broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan, for shaving at the end (optional)
Instructions
- Pat sausages dry and score casings lightly. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil until shimmering.
- Add sausages and sear 3–4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp oil, then onion and peppers. Cook for about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic in the last minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and dried oregano; cook 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- Return sausages to the pan, tuck zucchini among them. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until cooked through.
- Uncover, add butter, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon zest and parsley.
- Serve immediately, pairing with polenta or grilled sourdough.
Notes
To store, cool and transfer to an airtight container up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg