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- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This dish starts with hearty Italian sausage. You can choose mild or spicy based on your taste. The sausage gives the meal a rich flavor. Fresh broccoli florets add color and nutrition. They also cook quickly, keeping their crunch. The onion adds sweetness and depth. Next, we have garlic and red bell pepper. Garlic brings a strong aroma, and red bell pepper gives a sweet taste. Olive oil is key for sautéing and helps the ingredients blend well. For seasoning, red pepper flakes can add heat. You can skip these if you prefer a milder dish. Salt and pepper are must-haves to enhance the flavors. Finally, we top with Parmesan cheese. Its salty flavor melts beautifully into the dish. Don't forget fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness! This mix of ingredients is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal in under 30 minutes. Now you are ready to create a delicious sausage and broccoli skillet! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Crumble and brown Italian sausage for 5-7 minutes. Start by warming the olive oil. This helps to create a nice base for our sausage. When the oil shimmers, it’s time to add the sausage. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage first. Crumbling it into the pan makes it cook evenly. Keep stirring until the sausage turns a nice brown. This step adds flavor to the dish. - Sauté sliced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes. - Stir in broccoli florets with a splash of water and cover for 5-6 minutes. Once the sausage is browned, add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. This softens the veggies and brings out their sweetness. Next, add the broccoli florets. Pour in a small splash of water to help steam them. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender. - Remove lid, add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, combine and heat through for 2 minutes. After the broccoli is cooked, take off the lid. Add red pepper flakes for some heat. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Then, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything. Stir well to combine. Heat it for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is warm. This final touch makes the dish creamy and delicious. To prevent sausage from sticking, start with a hot skillet. Heat your olive oil first. Then, add the crumbled sausage. This helps create a nice sear quickly. Stir often for even cooking. If it does stick, use a wooden spoon to scrape it off. To ensure broccoli stays vibrant, do not overcook it. Add the broccoli florets when your other veggies are tender. A splash of water helps steam it quickly. Cover the skillet and cook for only 5-6 minutes. This keeps the bright color and crunchy texture. For side dishes, I recommend serving rice or crusty bread. They pair well with the bold flavors of this dish. You can also serve it with a light salad for freshness. Consider a simple green salad with lemon dressing. Wine pairings can elevate your meal. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir. Both wines balance the rich flavors of the sausage. For healthier options, you can substitute the sausage. Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also try plant-based sausage for a meatless meal. These options reduce fat but keep the taste. Adding more veggies boosts nutrition. Consider bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. These add color and fiber. Plus, they complement the flavors without overpowering the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality Italian sausage will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You can always add more spice later if desired. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, try using other cheeses like mozzarella or pecorino for a different flavor profile. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be prepped in advance. Store cooked sausage and veggies in the fridge for a quick and easy meal later in the week. {{image_2}} You can swap the Italian sausage for chicken or turkey. These meats are leaner and still tasty. Just make sure to cook them well. For a plant-based option, try using lentils or chickpeas. They add fiber and protein without meat. You can even use store-bought vegan sausage for a quick fix. If you want more heat, try using jalapeños or serrano peppers. These will give your dish a nice kick. For milder flavors, skip the red pepper flakes. Instead, try sweet paprika or smoked paprika. These spices can add depth without burning your tongue. You can also make this dish in the oven. Just place everything in a baking dish and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. For a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This allows the flavors to blend well. If you want easy cleanup, use a one-pan method. Cook all ingredients in one skillet and enjoy less mess. To store leftovers, you should cool the dish to room temperature first. This helps keep the food fresh. Place the Sausage and Broccoli Skillet in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture loss. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, remember to label your container with the date. You can freeze this skillet meal too! First, let it cool down completely. Then, transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out the air to avoid freezer burn. For best taste, use it within three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the best method is using the stove. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli. If you want to avoid soggy broccoli, do not microwave it. Instead, use the stovetop method to maintain the taste and texture. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just reduce the cooking time. Frozen broccoli is already blanched, so it cooks faster. Add it to the skillet when you stir in the other veggies. What if I don't have Italian sausage? You can use other types of sausage. Chicken or turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage. Each choice will change the dish's flavor slightly, but it will still taste great! Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure the sausage you choose is labeled gluten-free. Most Italian sausages do not contain gluten, but check the label to be safe. How can I make this dish dairy-free? You can skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. It adds a nice umami taste and keeps the dish creamy. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge? You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh. Can I meal prep this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can meal prep this dish. Cook it, cool it, and store in the fridge. This makes a quick lunch or dinner on busy days! This blog post detailed a tasty Sausage and Broccoli Skillet dish. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips, and variations to enjoy. You learned how to customize it with different proteins or spices. I also shared storage and reheating tips to keep it fresh. In conclusion, this dish is simple, flexible, and delicious. You can make it your own while keeping it healthy and fun. Enjoy cooking and sharing your Sausage and Broccoli Skillet with friends and family!

Sizzling Sausage & Broccoli Delight

A flavorful dish featuring Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and vibrant vegetables, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to help steam the broccoli and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
  • Remove the lid, and add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to combine.
  • Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage and adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Keyword broccoli, one skillet, quick meal, sausage