Savory Sweet Italian Sausage Skillet with Summer Squash
This flavorful Savory Sweet Italian Sausage Skillet with Summer Squash combines the rich taste of sweet Italian sausage with the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions and fresh summer squash. The dish is enhanced with aromatic spices and diced tomatoes, creating a hearty and comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal that balances protein, vegetables, and savory flavors, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Italian Sausage
5 links (removed from casing and cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Vidalia Onion
1 large (peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch slices)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
Summer Squash
2 medium (washed and sliced into 1/4 inch slices)
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced)
Bay Leaves
2 (whole)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
Celery Seed
1/2 teaspoon (whole)
Dried Rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Sea Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Italian Seasoning
1 tablespoon (mixed herbs)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2
Remove the casing from the sweet Italian sausage and cut it into 1/2 inch slices.
3
Peel the Vidalia onion and slice it into 1/4 inch rings.
4
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and mix well.
7
Add the bay leaves, red pepper flakes, celery seed, dried rosemary, black pepper, sea salt, and Italian seasoning to the mixture, stirring gently to combine without breaking up the sausage.
8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover tightly to let it simmer.
9
While it simmers, wash the summer squash and slice it into 1/4 inch rounds.
10
After about 20 minutes, remove the lid and add the sliced summer squash to the pan, stirring lightly to combine.
11
Replace the cover, reduce the burner to low, and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
12
Serve hot over jasmine rice or pasta of your choice for a delightful and hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
37g
Fat
25g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Savory Sweet Italian Sausage Skillet?
The primary protein is sweet Italian sausage, specifically 5 links with the casings removed.
What kind of onion is recommended for this recipe?
A large Vidalia onion is used for its natural sweetness.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use the entire 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes including the liquid.
How should the sweet Italian sausage be prepared?
Remove the casings and cut the sausage into 1/2 inch slices before cooking.
What type of squash is used in this skillet meal?
The recipe calls for two medium summer squash, washed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds.
How long should I brown the sausage?
Cook the sliced sausage in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
What are the aromatic spices included in this dish?
The dish uses bay leaves, red pepper flakes, celery seed, dried rosemary, and Italian seasoning.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the mixture simmer before adding the squash?
The mixture should simmer covered for approximately 20 minutes before adding the summer squash.
How long does the squash need to cook?
After adding the squash, let the skillet simmer on low for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this skillet?
It is best served over fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite type of pasta.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 37 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in the recipe?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
The dish contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the Vidalia onion be sliced?
The onion should be peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rings.
Should the pan be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pan should be covered tightly during both simmering stages to retain moisture.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic along with the sliced onions after the sausage has browned.
Can I substitute the summer squash with zucchini?
Yes, zucchini is a great substitute for summer squash in this skillet meal.
What size can of diced tomatoes is needed?
A 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes is required.
Is the Italian seasoning a specific blend?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of mixed Italian herbs.
How much sea salt should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of sea salt, or to taste.
What is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is about 50 minutes (20 minutes initially and 30 minutes after adding squash).
Do I need to stir the sausage while it browns?
Yes, cook until browned on all sides to ensure even cooking.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Yes, you can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
How should the rosemary be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, crushed.
What heat setting is used for the final 30 minutes?
The burner should be reduced to low heat for the final simmering stage.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, this is a hearty one-dish savory skillet meal.