20 Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet

Throw together this quick sausage and zucchini skillet dinner when you need a healthy and satisfying meal in a hurry! You’ll love this perfectly seasoned mix of sausage, zucchini, peppers, and onions.

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been republished with all new photos.

Easy meals are my jam and this 20 Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet is a family favorite. It tastes a lot like a classic Italian sausage and peppers dish but you’re getting some extra veggies in there thanks to the fresh zucchini.

This recipe really needs to be in your dinner rotation. It’s a perfect weeknight meal for when I don’t really want to be in the kitchen. You have those nights too, don’t you? Those nights when the idea of coming up with something to eat, making it, and then cleaning it up… I’m exhausted just thinking about it. But this one skillet wonder involves minimal prep and clean up. It’s simple enough to do when I want to do nothing. This easy sausage recipe is a great way to feed the entire family.

Zucchini, onion, and bell pepper… light but super tasty! Chop those veggies up so they’re all close to the same size. This ensures you can get a little of everything in each bite and smaller pieces means they’ll cook faster too.

We’re using simple seasonings to really make this skillet meal special. The list might feel a little long but you likely have everything you need already. You’ll need dried oregano, dried basil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can always swap the dried herbs out for Italian seasoning if you that’s what you have. The finished flavor combination is so yummy, you won’t believe how little effort was required.

20 Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet Ingredients

• Olive or avocado oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite. A high quality avocado oil is a solid solution as well.
• Fully cooked sausages: I love chicken sausage in this entree but go with whatever you prefer. Chicken, beef, pork, or turkey sausage are all delicious in here.
• Zucchini: This low-carb meal features lots of zucchini to make it hearty. You’ll need two medium zucchini but you can substitute yellow summer squash if you prefer.
• Onion: One medium onion will help flavor this skillet meal. You can whatever color onion you like. White, yellow, or red onion will all work well.
• Bell pepper: Any color bell pepper can be used but I prefer the vibrant color and sweetness of red bell peppers in this dish.
• Minced garlic: You can mince your own garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil are the only seasonings you need.

How to Make 20 Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet

To make this healthy dinner, you’ll start by sautéing your sausage in a large skillet on medium heat to medium-high heat. It’s a fully cooked sausage so we’re really just taking this opportunity to get some browning on all the sides. Then remove from the pan and set aside.

Now add the veggies to the hot skillet to sauté them. This just takes 5 to 10 minutes because we’ve cut them pretty small. Season. Once they get tender and you see some browned bits, add the sausage back along with minced garlic. (Because of course we’re using plenty of garlic.) Let everything warm up for a minute or two and you’re done. You can add parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes for a little extra fun if you like before serving.

It’s truly an easy dish that’s ready in 20 minutes!

What Sausage Should You Use?

The type of sausage you use is up to you but be sure it’s a fully cooked sausage. Chicken, beef, turkey, or pork sausage are all great options. I prefer Applegate Chicken Sausage (the one from the refrigerated case and not the frozen section of the grocery store) because their ingredient list is incredible and I’ve never tried one of their varieties that I didn’t like. Aidell’s is another great brand you may enjoy! If you’d like to make this a spicier entree you can always opt for a spicy sausage.

If Whole30, make sure you select a Whole30 compliant sausage. You’ll want to read the label because many brands will include sugar. Applegate, Aidell’s, Teton Waters Ranch, Pederson Farms, and Belinski’s all have Whole30 compliant (or approved) sausage options.

Can You Substitute Other Veggies?

This recipe is clearly designed to make those most of zucchini but there are of course other vegetables you could include instead. Yellow squash would be my top pick and green beans would work well too. I always encourage people to get comfortable in the kitchen and try new things! Swapping out a veggie is one simple way to make a recipe work for you and use up what’s in your fridge!

How to Store Leftovers

Want to enjoy this easy recipe the next day or later in the week? This entree makes great leftovers and it’s perfect for meal prep! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Serve This Dish

Oh there are so many ways to serve this. It’s designed to be a complete meal so you can clearly enjoy it as is. Light. Flavorful. Healthy. Low carb.

But perhaps you want to add something to stretch this dish a bit further? Serving over cauliflower rice will keep things ultra light but enable to you sneak in some more veggies!

Maybe you’d like to add some grains or carbs to make this extra satiating? That works too! Try serving over traditional white or brown rice, Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes, Easy Diced Air Fryer Potatoes, or Skillet Breakfast Potatoes. I’m a big believer in the power of layering skillet meals over something else. Works like a dream!

No matter how you choose to serve this dish, you’re going to be happily gobbling it all up in 20 minutes or less. BOOM. My kind of recipe, friend.

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