Sausage and Zucchini Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory sausage and zucchini simmered in a garlic-herb sauce for a one-pan wonder. This italian-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken sausage, medium zucchini, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 10 oz chicken sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. Cut 2 medium zucchinis into 1/4-inch half-moons. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 4 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return sausage to the skillet and add 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Simmer for 3 minutes until flavors meld and zucchini is tender-crisp.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sausage and Zucchini Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sausage and Zucchini Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken sausage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sausage and Zucchini Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sausage and Zucchini Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sausage and Zucchini Skillet?

Italian whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes