Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles
Try this Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
Try this Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 lb spicy italian chicken sausage
- 1 lb sweet italian chicken sausage
- 3 peppers (red orange and yellow) chopped into 1 inc
- 2 medium onions rough chopped into 1 inch pieces
- 6 smashed and rough chopped garlic cloves
- 3 small zucchinis (zoodled)
- 1 jar ragu homestyle pasta sauce (i used the thick & hea
- 10 fresh basil leaves cut into long thin strips (rese
- 4 ounces each of these cheeses shredded: mozzarella, parmesan and asiago
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.421875000180918 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0582525000249811 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (128g)
- Sodium 36.848723958337 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0.0114243750048993 g
- Calories 4 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cook sausage in olive oil for 10-12 minutes over medium-high heat (turning over once) and set aside.
- Cook peppers and onions in the same pan for 8 minutes.
- Add garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 4 more minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, zoodle your zucchini. Then cut the strands into ~8 inch pieces (this does not have to be precise, but cutting the zoodles now will make it easier to serve).
- Stir the Ragu Homestyle Sauce into the pan with the peppers and onions.
- Slice the sausage into ½ inch pieces and add to the pan as well.
- Fold zucchini noodles and basil into the mixture and allow to cook for 4 minutes on medium-low.
- Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish, and top with cheese.
- Bake on 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with reserved fresh basil and serve.
Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present struggle to get dinner on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. But I've discovered a secret weapon in my fight against weeknight dinner drama: simple, flavorful recipes that don't sacrifice taste for convenience. And this Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles dish is a prime example.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The vibrant colors alone make it a feast for the eyes, but the taste? Oh, the taste! The sweet Italian sausage perfectly complements the slightly sweet peppers and the savory onions. The zucchini noodles add a delightful lightness, making this a satisfying yet guilt-free meal. I love the way the zucchini noodles hold their texture while soaking up the flavors of the sauce, and the addition of mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago cheese brings a wonderful cheesy richness to the dish. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that the entire family will enjoy.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – I've tried it with chicken and pork sausage, and both were fantastic. You can also adjust the vegetables to your liking. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra flavor and nutrition. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can truly make it your own.
Another tip for busy weeknights? Prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables on the weekend and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. That way, on a busy weeknight, all you have to do is assemble and cook. This not only saves time but also reduces stress in the kitchen. Trust me, even amidst the chaos of a busy week, you deserve a delicious and satisfying meal. And this Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles recipe helps ensure you get just that.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Simplicity
This dish isn't just about the delicious flavors; it's about the simplicity of cooking. It reminds me that even amidst the demands of daily life, taking time to prepare a wholesome meal is an act of self-care and love for my family. It's a way to connect with my loved ones over a shared meal, creating memories that are just as nourishing as the food itself.
It's about making the most of simple, wholesome ingredients and transforming them into something truly special. And it's a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that are the easiest to make. So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner, give this Sausage and Peppers with Zucchini Noodles recipe a try. I promise it won't disappoint.
Making it Your Own: Tips and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to create a meal that perfectly suits your taste.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Add some greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Different cheese blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite blend.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
A Final Thought:
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the joy of cooking. But this recipe reminds me that even the simplest meals can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. It's a celebration of simple ingredients and simple techniques, all coming together to create a meal that nourishes both body and soul. So, go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
