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- 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage (or your favorite sausage) - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients makes this dish shine. For the main part, I love using Italian-style chicken sausage. It brings a fantastic flavor. Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch and bright color. A thinly sliced onion and minced garlic round out the base. They give the dish a warm, inviting aroma. Sliced red bell pepper adds sweetness to balance the savory sausage. The additional ingredients are just as important. Olive oil helps cook everything evenly. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a little spice, but it’s optional. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and make it fresh. Topping with grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. Finally, fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness to your meal. With this mix of ingredients, you will create a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of sliced Italian-style chicken sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should be browned and cooked through. - Add 1 thinly sliced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. - Stir often for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step adds a lot of flavor. You can also toss in salt and pepper to taste. - Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets. - Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Stir often until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. This ensures you keep a nice texture. These steps create a flavorful base for your dish. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors as they come together! Choosing the best sausage matters for flavor. I love Italian-style chicken sausage for its taste. You can use pork, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Each type adds a unique twist to the dish. If you want a spicy kick, try a hot sausage. For a milder flavor, go with sweet sausage. To ensure even cooking, cut the veggies into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Start cooking the sausage first, then add the onion and garlic. This builds a great base flavor. When adding broccoli, cook just until bright green. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy and loses its crunch. Stir often to keep everything cooking evenly. Fresh herbs make a big difference. Try adding basil or thyme for a fresh taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving brightens the dish. If you want more depth, consider spices like paprika or cumin. They can add warmth and richness to your skillet. Don't forget the lemon zest and juice; they add brightness and balance the flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality sausage will enhance the flavor and overall quality of the dish. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance; you can also omit it for a milder flavor. Cook Broccoli Perfectly: To keep broccoli tender-crisp, avoid overcooking. It should be bright green and still have a slight crunch. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the dish. Don't skip it! {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free sausage. Many brands offer tasty options. Check labels to ensure they fit your needs. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, swap the sausage for hearty beans or tofu. This change keeps the meal filling and nutritious. Want to mix things up? Add different vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Each will bring its own taste and color. Cheese lovers can play with different cheeses. Try mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. Each cheese adds a unique flavor twist. Pair this skillet meal with crusty bread or a fresh salad. The bread soaks up the juices nicely. For sides, consider serving steamed rice or quinoa. They add great texture and help balance the flavors. To store leftovers, let the skillet cool down first. Place the dish in an airtight container. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents spills. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and let you see what’s inside. For reheating, the best method is to use a skillet over medium heat. This warms the meal evenly. Stir it gently to keep it from sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. If you want to keep the flavors strong, add a bit more lemon juice or cheese when reheating. If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to label them with the date. This way, you won’t forget how long they’ve been in there. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli is convenient and saves time. However, it may not have the same crispness as fresh. When using frozen broccoli, reduce cooking time. Add it to the skillet when you add the bell pepper. This way, it warms up without getting mushy. To spice it up, you have options! Add more red pepper flakes to the sausage. You can also use hot sausage for extra heat. Another choice is to mix in diced jalapeños with the onions. This will give your meal a nice kick! This dish pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas: - Cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty base - Garlic bread to soak up the flavors - A fresh green salad for a light touch - Pasta for a filling meal option These sides will complete your hearty and flavorful meal! In this article, we explored a tasty Sausage and Broccoli Skillet dish. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared variations for different diets, storage methods, and answers to common questions. I hope this guide inspires you to try making this easy meal. With simple steps and fresh flavors, you will enjoy cooking and sharing it with others. Remember, cooking is a fun way to connect with food and people. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Sizzling Sausage & Broccoli Delight

A flavorful dish featuring Italian-style chicken sausage and fresh broccoli, perfect for a quick meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  • If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for an added kick and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and add the lemon zest and juice, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  • Top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and let it sit for a minute for the cheese to melt slightly.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite sausage variety.
Keyword broccoli, healthy, quick meal, sausage