Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles: 5 Flavorful Tips

Welcome to a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort: Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles! Imagine savory beef sausages sizzling in a skillet, mingling with sweet bell peppers and aromatic onions. This dish doesn’t just taste incredible; it’s also a delightful way to enjoy zucchini noodles as a low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta. Zucchini noodles add a lightness that perfectly balances the heartiness of the sausages, making each bite a celebration of fresh ingredients.

Not only is this recipe super quick to whip up—perfect for a busy weeknight—but it also packs a nutritious punch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a colorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Trust me, once you try this combination, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 beef sausage links (2 mild, 2 spicy)
• 2 medium yellow onions, spiralized and noodles trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, spiralized and noodles trimmed
• 1 orange bell pepper, spiralized and noodles trimmed
• 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized and noodles trimmed

How to Prepare Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious dish! Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking.

First, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, lidded skillet over medium-high heat. You want that oil nice and hot, so your sausages get a lovely golden-brown crust. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef sausages—mixing up mild and spicy for that flavor explosion! Cover the skillet and let them cook for about 7 minutes until they’re browned on the bottom. And don’t forget to uncover them and give those sausages a little love, turning them every so often for another 5 minutes until they’re nicely browned all over but still juicy inside.

Once they’re looking good, transfer the sausages to a cutting board, and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Set those aside for now; we’ll bring them back soon!

Now, in the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the spiralized onions and bell pepper noodles. This is where the magic happens! Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften up a bit, stirring occasionally. Wow, that aroma is amazing already!

Next, stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell that fragrant garlic wafting through the air. It’s at this point that you’ll want to return those sliced sausages to the pan. Add in the dried oregano and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste—don’t be shy! Give it all a good stir to combine.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the sausages to cook all the way through and the flavors to meld beautifully together. After that, uncover and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. You want it just right, not too runny but still saucy!

Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now, here comes the fun part! Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to a serving bowl and gently toss in the spiralized zucchini noodles. Remember, zucchini noodles cook quickly from residual heat, so you want to toss them just until they’re slightly softened and well combined without overcooking them—nobody likes watery noodles!

And voilà! Serve immediately and get ready for the compliments to roll in! Enjoy your flavorful Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig into the deliciousness, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, but here’s a typical breakdown for one serving of Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles:

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a hearty dose of nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s good for you, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time!
• Easy Cleanup: One skillet is all you need, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your delicious creation.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of savory sausages, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
• Health-Conscious: Zucchini noodles keep this meal low-calorie while still being filling, perfect for a healthy lifestyle.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or sausage varieties for a personal touch!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips that I swear by!

First, don’t rush the cooking of the sausages. Let them get that beautiful brown crust on all sides; it adds so much flavor! Keep the heat at medium-high, but adjust if things start to sizzle too aggressively.

When you’re adding the zucchini noodles, remember that they’ll cook quickly. Toss them in just until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite. Overcooking them can turn them mushy, and nobody wants watery noodles!

Also, feel free to mix up the spices! If you love a little kick, increase the red pepper flakes. And don’t skimp on the parsley at the end; it brightens the dish beautifully. Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your dish to the next level!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles! For starters, try swapping out the beef sausages for chicken or turkey sausages for a leaner option. You can even go plant-based with some delicious vegan sausages if you want to keep it meat-free!

Want to add more color and nutrition? Toss in some sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness. And if you’re a spice lover, experiment with different seasonings—smoked paprika or Italian herbs can add a new twist to the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more satisfying, consider pairing your Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles with a few delicious sides! If you’re in the mood for something hearty, a scoop of fluffy white or brown rice will soak up all that savory sauce beautifully. For a more classic Italian experience, serve it over a bed of whole wheat pasta or even spiralized sweet potatoes for a fun twist!

And if you want to keep things light, a simple garden salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly. Just imagine the crunch of fresh greens alongside the deliciously savory dish—yum!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This dish will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!

When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, but keep an eye on those zucchini noodles to avoid overcooking!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap beef sausages for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages. Each will bring its unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment!

Q2. How do I prevent my zucchini noodles from becoming watery?
To avoid watery noodles, be careful not to overcook them. Toss the zucchini noodles in just until they’re slightly softened. They cook quickly from the residual heat of the dish.

Q3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and pepper mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the zucchini noodles right before serving to keep them fresh.

Q4. What can I serve with Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, whole wheat pasta, or a fresh garden salad. Try to keep the sides light to complement the flavors!

Q5. How can I adjust the spice level?
If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

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