Are you craving a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This sweet chicken sausage and peppers recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and requires minimal cleanup, making it a winner in our book. This recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It’s one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a truly impressive meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sweet Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing and slicing the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic cloves. This simple prep work will make the cooking process much smoother.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Add Sausage and Garlic: Add the crumbled chicken sausage and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, breaking the sausage up with a spoon, until browned.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, brown sugar, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken sausage with a higher fat content.
- Don't overcook the peppers; they should be tender-crisp.
Variations:
- Spicy Sweet Sausage Peppers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Mediterranean Sweet Sausage Peppers: Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Sweet Sausage Peppers: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This sweet chicken sausage and peppers recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight. It showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special – a testament to the joy of homemade cooking. Enjoy!