Need a fast, healthy, flavor-packed meal? This Skillet Sausage and Zucchini is your answer. Juicy sausage, tender zucchini, sweet peppers, and caramelized onions come together in one pan for a satisfying dinner that’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 compliant.
Minimal prep. Maximum flavor. Zero stress.
table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in 20 minutes
✔ One-pan meal
✔ Whole30 compliant
✔ Gluten-free & dairy-free
✔ High-protein & low-carb
✔ Perfect for meal prep
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Course: Dinner / Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 4 fully cooked sausages, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 onion, cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 2½ tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
1️⃣ Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sliced sausage and sauté until browned.
Remove from pan and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium.
Add remaining oil, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper.
Sprinkle with:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Cook about 5 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender.
3️⃣ Combine & Finish
Add sausage back to skillet.
Stir in minced garlic.
Cover and cook 2–3 more minutes to meld flavors.
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
4️⃣ Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Cut vegetables similar size for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd pan — helps caramelization.
- Use cast iron for best browning.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Pork Substitutions & Variations
If avoiding pork:
- Use chicken sausage
- Use turkey sausage
- Try plant-based sausage
Other additions:
- Mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Cauliflower rice on the side
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 288 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | Varies by sausage |
Skillet Sausage and Zucchini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Return the sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle with herbs and stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Skillet Sausage and Zucchini proves that healthy dinners don’t have to be complicated. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible enough to fit Whole30, gluten-free, and dairy-free lifestyles — all in one simple pan.
Add this to your weekly dinner rotation and thank yourself later.