Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that won't keep you in the kitchen all night? Then look no further! This chicken sausage and potato recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic homemade dish that's both satisfying and nutritious!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken sausage (sweet Italian or your favorite flavor), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Halve or quarter the potatoes depending on their size, ensuring even cooking. Chopping everything in advance makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Add the Sausage and Potatoes: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Then, toss in the potatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Simmer to Perfection: Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the skillet, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy chicken sausage and potato meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Choose your favorite sausage: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of chicken sausage to suit your taste. Spicy Italian, chorizo, or even apple chicken sausage would all work well.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large quantity of ingredients, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the dish as it cooks and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can always add more herbs, spices, or salt and pepper.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli to this recipe for extra nutrients and flavor.
Variations:
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Cheese lovers: Sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for an extra cheesy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy chicken sausage and potato recipe is a perfect example of delicious, healthy food that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!