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sausage zucchini skillet family

Easy sausage zucchini skillet family

sausage zucchini skillet family provides quick weeknight meals with easy budget family perks. Try it now!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Quick Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 large zucchini, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Once it shimmers, add your sliced sausage and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. You want that golden-brown crust on the bottom before stirring — this is where the flavor happens.
  2. Stir the sausage and cook another 2 minutes until it's mostly browned. Careful not to overcook or it gets rubbery. Transfer to a plate and set aside for now.
  3. In the same skillet, add your chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it softens. Then add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't walk away here — garlic burns fast.
  4. Add the diced zucchini and stir everything together for 2 minutes. You'll notice the zucchini starts releasing water, which is exactly what you want. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin now so they bloom in the oil.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes with their juices. Return the sausage to the skillet and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.
  6. Squeeze the lemon juice over everything and taste it. Add more salt and pepper if needed — mine usually needs just a tiny pinch more. This is also when you stir in the shredded cheese and let it melt for about 1 minute.
  7. The whole sausage zucchini skillet family meal should look creamy and slightly thick, not watery. If yours looks too soupy, don't panic — I let mine sit off heat for 2 minutes and it thickens right up. Serve immediately while it's hot.