Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe for Chicken Italian Sausage with Roasted Vegetables is a perfect weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and is surprisingly quick to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. chicken Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 lb. baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the oven preheats, remove the chicken Italian sausage from their casings if desired, or cook them whole. In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!), brown the sausage over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. This step adds fantastic flavor!
Step 3: Roast Together
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Then, transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Place the skillet next to the baking sheet with the vegetables. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet and baking sheet from the oven. You can either serve the sausage and vegetables separately or combine them on a platter for a hearty and colorful meal. This dish is equally delicious on its own or served over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: For even easier cleanup, roast everything on a single large baking sheet.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This quick and easy Chicken Italian Sausage with Roasted Vegetables recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, and the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade meal. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed it!