If you’re ready for a meal that brings comfort and cheer to any night of the week, let me introduce you to my beloved Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet. Juicy chicken sausage, tender veggies, and a lusciously creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce come together in one pan for a dish that’s as quick and easy as it is flavorful. Whether it’s a family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this skillet dinner is how each ingredient shines on its own, then mingles to create a vibrant, craveworthy whole. Gather these simple staples – each brings something special to the Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet and none are fussy or hard to find.
- Olive Oil: Adds a lush base of flavor and helps brown the sausage to golden perfection.
- Chicken Sausage Links (1 pound, sliced): Choose your favorite flavor – a garlicky, herby sausage works wonders and takes on the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Infuses the skillet with cozy sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): An essential aromatic that boosts savory flavor and makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Brings color and a mild, fruity bite.
- Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Offers sunny hues and a crisp, mellow crunch.
- Zucchini (1, sliced): Adds tender texture and balances out the richness of the sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Releases juicy sweetness and a pop of acidity to brighten the dish.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Forms the savory backbone of the creamy sauce, keeping it deeply flavorful.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The key to that rich, velvety finish we all crave in a Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lends an herbaceous note that ties everything together.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle in for a touch of gentle heat if you like a mild kick.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty goodness and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out the flavors and making each ingredient shine.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings a fresh, vibrant finish that makes every bowl pop.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the sliced chicken sausage. Let each round sizzle and bronze, turning them so both sides get crispy and caramelized. This step infuses the oil with flavor and builds a foundation for your sauce. Then, just remove the sausage to a plate and set it aside (don’t worry, it’ll be back soon!).
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
To the same skillet, add your diced onion and minced garlic. A quick two-minute sauté is all it takes for the onion to turn golden and the garlic to send out its toasty, mouthwatering aroma. These little bits will layer warmth and savoriness into your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Now it’s time for color! Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini. Let them cook down, stirring occasionally, until they’re just tender. They should still hold their shape, offering a tender bite against the creamy sauce later. This step takes about five minutes of gentle coaxing.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes for Freshness
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another two minutes. As they heat up, they’ll soften and release just enough juice to keep things lively and bright. It’s a small moment, but it makes a world of difference in the final dish.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. In about five minutes, the sauce will thicken slightly, wrapping those veggies in luscious creaminess that screams comfort food.
Step 6: Return Sausage and Add Cheese
Time for the grand finale! Slide the browned chicken sausages back into the skillet and shower in the freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, glossy sauce that loves to cling to every morsel. As a last touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herby freshness. That’s it — your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is ready to steal the spotlight!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet
Garnishes
Just before serving, take a small handful of chopped fresh parsley and scatter it over the skillet for a fresh, green pop. Add a final dusting of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. If you adore a bit of heat, a few more red pepper flakes go a long way — or a drizzle of good olive oil gives a glistening finish.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is versatile and happily pairs with so many sides. My go-to is a hunks of crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce, but you can serve it over buttered pasta, fluffy rice, or even quinoa. Need more greens? A simple arugula or spinach salad makes a crisp, peppery contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not try serving your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet family-style, straight from the pan at the center of the table? Or, for a dinner party, ladle it into warm shallow bowls and top with parsley and cheese. You could also spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer or pack leftovers in lunch containers with your favorite grains.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors only get richer and cozier as they meld together.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool the skillet completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of extra cream or broth if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave works too — just use short intervals and stir frequently for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While chicken sausage is my favorite for its lightness, you can swap in turkey or even pork sausage. Just stick to fully cooked links for the same quick cooking time.
Is the Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken sausage is gluten-free (always check the label). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I lighten up the recipe?
For a lighter version of your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use light cream cheese in place of Parmesan. You can also up the veggies or stir in baby spinach at the end for more greens.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare the skillet as directed, cool completely, and store in the fridge. Reheat gently when ready to serve. I actually think the flavors intensify after an overnight rest, making leftovers even better.
What’s the best way to add extra veggies?
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your favorite vegetables. Add quick-cooking greens like spinach or kale at the end, or try mushrooms, asparagus, or even broccoli — just give heartier veggies a few extra minutes to soften in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dazzling dinner that reinvents the humble skillet meal, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is pure weeknight (or weekend) magic. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings and sides, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new go-to recipe for any occasion!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Tender chicken sausage, colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage links, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook sausage: Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Cook vegetables: Add bell peppers and zucchini, cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Finish dish: Return sausage to the skillet, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
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