Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet takes minimal effort, let me introduce you to the Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet. This one-pan wonder brings together juicy chicken sausage, vibrant veggies, and a rich, velvety sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—when really, you can have the whole thing ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience, all with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient truly pulls its weight, adding depth, color, and irresistible flavor to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet to life, plus a quick tip for each item to help you make the most of your meal:
- Olive oil: Lends a lovely fruity base and helps brown the sausage for extra flavor.
- Chicken sausage (12 oz, sliced rounds): The star protein—look for one that’s fully cooked so it browns quickly with little fuss.
- Yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed, foundational for the sauce base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a punch of aroma and rounds out the savory notes beautifully.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness to counterbalance the creamy sauce.
- Zucchini (sliced half-moons): Offers freshness and a lovely tender bite, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Gives the skillet an herby backbone—don’t skip it!
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): A blend of classic herbs that brings everything together with Italian flair.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a little kick—adjust to your personal heat preference.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps deglaze the pan and forms the base of your creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Delivers that dreamy, velvety texture we crave in creamy dishes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Melts into the sauce for an irresistible savory kick and subtle saltiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning at the end so the flavors truly pop.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, bright finishing touch that makes the skillet look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet
Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, scatter in your sliced chicken sausage. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes—this not only warms the sausage but also creates those tasty golden edges that add so much savory goodness to your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet. Don’t be afraid to let them get a little crispy!
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion smells sweet and looks translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for about 30 seconds—this quick sauté builds a powerful flavor foundation.
Step 3: Build Up the Veggies
Add in the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, giving the veggies a chance to soften and take on all the delicious flavors starting to develop. The bell pepper will turn beautifully tender, and the zucchini absorbs all those herby, garlicky notes—you’ll start seeing the skillet really come together.
Step 4: Season Everything
Sprinkle the dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re opting for a little spice) over the sizzling veggies and sausage. These seasonings will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, drawing everyone to the table. Give everything a good stir so those spices coat every bite.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to collect those flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes—this deepens the skillet’s flavor and helps meld all the ingredients together, giving the Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet its signature savory depth.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the sausage and veggies in a silky blanket. Taste and season with salt and black pepper until everything sings.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and, if you’d like, sprinkle over freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and freshness. Dish up your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet while it’s piping hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a shower of extra Parmesan cheese to your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet just before serving. These finishing touches not only make the skillet look irresistible but also add freshness and a pop of color that makes each bowl extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This skillet is wonderfully versatile—serve it spooned over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or even creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re keeping it lighter, pile your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet onto cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini, or just enjoy it as is for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve straight from the skillet with warm, crusty bread for dunking into the creamy sauce. Hosting friends? Scoop into individual bowls and top with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a more elegant touch. Or, tuck it into toasted hoagie rolls for a decadent sandwich spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great candidate for meal prep or an easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
This skillet is freezer-friendly, although the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to help bring the sauce back together. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage or even a spicy andouille work well—just make sure the sausage is fully cooked, or adjust your browning time to ensure it cooks through nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you choose a gluten-free chicken sausage and broth, your Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I lighten up the dish?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or light cream for the heavy cream. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to bulk up the dish without additional calories or fat.
What if I don’t have red bell pepper or zucchini?
No problem! Any quick-cooking veggie works great—try mushrooms, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes for a tasty twist that still keeps the Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet vibrant and satisfying.
How can I make this dish spicy?
If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or use a spicy chicken sausage. Adjust the spice to your liking and taste as you go!
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a meal that checks all the boxes—quick, creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—this Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is an absolute must-try. I hope you’ll give it a spin the next time you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Let this skillet become your go-to for busy nights or special dinners with loved ones!
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Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender chicken sausage, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces fully cooked chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
Seasonings and Others:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and garlic, then stir in bell pepper and zucchini.
- Season and Simmer: Add thyme, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Light cream or half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
