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- 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish When making this dish, the main ingredients are key. The Italian-style chicken sausage gives it a hearty flavor, while the broccoli adds nutrition and color. The onion, garlic, and red bell pepper create a delicious aroma and taste. I love using fresh ingredients. They bring out the best in any meal. The olive oil helps everything cook nicely. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh lemon juice adds zing, while Parmesan cheese gives creaminess. Finally, parsley makes the dish look bright and fresh. Make sure you have everything ready. This dish cooks quickly, so prep before you start. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 lb of sliced Italian-style chicken sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn a nice golden brown and be fully cooked. Stir it often to get even color. After the sausage is browned, it’s time to add more flavor. Toss in 1 medium onion, sliced into half-moons, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mix for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch for the onion to soften and turn translucent. Then, add in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 3 cups of chopped fresh broccoli florets. Sauté this for another 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender but still has a bit of crunch. Now, it's time for the final flavors. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste and, if you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly add the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Toss everything together to blend the bright flavors. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Let it sit for a minute to melt the cheese slightly. Don't forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a lovely touch! Choosing the right sausage for flavor: I love using Italian-style chicken sausage. It adds a rich, savory taste. You can also try other sausages. Just pick ones you enjoy. Spicy sausage brings a nice kick, while mild sausage offers a gentler flavor. Ensuring broccoli stays crisp: To keep your broccoli vibrant and crisp, cook it just until bright green. Sauté it for about 5-6 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. You want it tender but still crunchy. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and enhances the broccoli's natural flavor. Ideal side dishes or pairings: This dish shines on its own, but you can pair it with rice or crusty bread. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette for balance. Presentation tips for a stunning meal: Serve your sausage and broccoli skillet on a large platter. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. A twist of lemon adds a pop of color and flavor. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish just before serving. How to store leftovers properly: Store any leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps flavors fresh. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheating tips for best flavor retention: Reheat your skillet on the stovetop for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli and high-quality sausage to enhance the flavors of your dish. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference—less for mild, more for spicy! Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: Keep an eye on the broccoli while sautéing; it should be bright green and tender-crisp for the best texture. Garnish with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and elevate the dish. {{image_4}} You can switch the sausage to turkey sausage. This change reduces fat and calories. You can also try vegetarian options. Plant-based sausages provide great flavor and texture. They work well in this dish. Choose any protein that fits your taste and diet. Feel free to add more vegetables to your skillet. Carrots, zucchini, or snap peas add color and crunch. Mushrooms can bring an earthy flavor. Mix and match your favorites for fun. The more veggies, the healthier your meal becomes! You can boost the flavor with more seasonings. Try Italian herbs like oregano or basil. A splash of soy sauce adds depth. For a zesty kick, add a bit of hot sauce. Experiment with what you have at home for tasty results! To keep your sausage and broccoli skillet fresh, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers for best results. This way, your meal stays tasty and safe. When stored in the fridge, sausage and broccoli skillet lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the food has been stored. You can reheat your skillet in two ways: the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, place it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often until it's hot. The stovetop method keeps the texture better than the microwave. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli is often blanched before freezing. This helps keep its bright color and nutrients. It also saves prep time for you. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may be softer than fresh. To avoid mushiness, add it to the skillet later in the cooking process. This way, it gets warm but stays crisp. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the flavors well. - Quinoa: A healthy alternative that adds protein. - Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the sauce. - Salad: A light green salad adds a fresh touch. - Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. To adjust spice levels, consider these tips: - For spice: Add more red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sausage. - For milder: Omit red pepper flakes. Choose a sweet or mild sausage. If you want a little heat, use less garlic or skip it. Always taste as you go to find the right balance for you. The sausage and broccoli skillet combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. We used chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and bright flavors from lemon and Parmesan. Following easy steps, you can cook a meal perfect for any occasion. You can adapt this dish to suit your tastes by switching proteins or adding veggies. Store leftovers properly for future meals and enjoy reheating options that keep the flavor. Overall, this skillet is both versatile and quick. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Sizzling Sausage & Broccoli Delight

A delicious and vibrant dish featuring Italian-style chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and colorful vegetables, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped to uniform size
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced sausage to the pan and sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Next, incorporate the sliced onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Introduce the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets into the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender yet crisp.
  • For an extra kick, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the sautéed vegetables, and season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to distribute the flavors.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the fresh lemon zest and juice. Toss everything gently to ensure the bright flavors are well combined with the sausage and vegetables.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the hot mixture. Allow it to sit for about a minute so the cheese melts slightly into the dish.
  • Just before serving, garnish with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve on a large platter or in individual bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon for added brightness.
Keyword broccoli, healthy, quick meal, sausage