If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, my Creamy Sausage Skillet is just the ticket! Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that comes together in a flash and fills the house with the most mouthwatering aroma. I love that it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family. Plus, the creamy sauce, seasoned sausage, and vibrant veggies make this dish not just comforting but also packed with flavor. Trust me, every bite feels like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria, even if you’re just in your kitchen after a long day!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great!)
How to Prepare a Creamy Sausage Skillet
Alright, let’s dive into this deliciousness! Making a Creamy Sausage Skillet is super easy, and I promise you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it all comes together!
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First things first, grab your skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it apart into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to get nice and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial, as breaking it up ensures even cooking and that those delicious bits get a nice sear. Plus, who doesn’t love that savory aroma wafting through the kitchen?
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your sausage is all browned and glorious, it’s time to add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the veggies are tender and the garlic is fragrant. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn—nobody wants bitter garlic ruining this creamy dish!
Step 3: Add Cream and Seasoning
Now, let’s make it creamy! Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. This is where the magic happens—watch as the sausage and veggies mingle with the cream, creating a luscious sauce that will coat everything beautifully!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Next up, it’s time to add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the pasta gets coated with that dreamy sauce. The Parmesan will melt into the mix, adding an extra layer of richness that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Finally, let the skillet simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat until everything is heated through. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed! Once it’s all creamy and delicious, serve it up hot, and get ready for some happy faces around the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying fast.
- One-Pan Convenience: Less cleanup means more time for enjoying your meal and relaxing with loved ones!
- Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, savory sausage, and fresh veggies creates a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables or even swap the sausage for chicken or turkey—make it your own!
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make your Creamy Sausage Skillet truly shine, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, always use fresh ingredients—fresh veggies really enhance the flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust to your preference. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the sausage; this helps achieve that beautiful browning. If you want a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes! Lastly, remember to save some of that pasta water; a splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets a bit too thick. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these estimates. For one serving of my Creamy Sausage Skillet, you can expect about 600 calories, with 40g of fat (20g of which is saturated fat), 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also contains around 2g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. This meal is hearty and satisfying, making it a delightful choice for dinner while still being mindful of your nutritional needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. The flavors will still be fantastic!
What vegetables can I add?
You can customize your Creamy Sausage Skillet with any veggies you like! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work great. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you use denser vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if needed to keep it creamy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sausage and veggies in advance. Just combine everything and heat it up when you’re ready to eat!
What can I serve with this skillet?
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your Creamy Sausage Skillet is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact. I recommend gently warming it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or a bit of pasta water to help restore the sauce’s texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to ensure everything heats evenly. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes section!
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, you can refer to this Food Network guide.
Print
Creamy Sausage Skillet: 5 Steps to Ultimate Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy creamy sausage skillet meal perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Creamy Sausage Skillet, easy dinner, one-pan meal