Italian Skillet Meal
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavorful Italian Skillet Meal, a one-pan wonder packed with bold Italian sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables like zucchini and red bell pepper. This comforting dish comes together in just 45 minutes, combining pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes and pasta with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering finish. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors—all cooked in a single skillet for ultimate convenience and easy cleanup. Whether you're feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this Italian-inspired dinner is a guaranteed hit!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces dry pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up for 1 minute.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, mixing well to combine.
Add the dry pasta, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it into the sauce and vegetables. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top and serve warm. Enjoy your Italian Skillet Meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2542 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.9 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.4 g | 227% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 307 mg | 102% | |
| Sodium | 7300 mg | 317% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 207.9 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.8 g | ||
| Protein | 122.3 g | 245% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 771 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 3316 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
