Hey there, food-loving friend! Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe. This isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together; it’s about whipping up pure joy in a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Imagine those cozy nights, or those bustling get-togethers – this dish fits right in, bringing warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of happy vibes to the table. Seriously, prepare to fall in love.

Why You’ll Love Healthy Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

This dish is incredibly adaptable, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. It’s a complete meal in one pan, making it ideal for busy evenings and easy customization with your favorite veggies.

Budget-Friendly

Using readily available chicken sausage and fresh produce, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal without a hefty price tag. It’s a smart choice for any meal plan.

Quick and Easy

With minimal cleanup and straightforward steps, this recipe is designed for ease. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get a satisfying and healthy meal on the table.

Customizable

Feel free to unleash your inner chef! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little something extra? Go for it! Experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or even a different type of healthy sausage.

Crowd-Plating

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite that’s sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this dish it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Sausage

The lean and flavorful star of our skillet. Pre-cooked chicken sausage, especially varieties like Italian or apple chicken sausage, adds a wonderful savory kick and makes for quick cooking.

Bell Peppers

Colorful and sweet, a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers adds crunch, freshness, and a vibrant visual appeal. They also bring a healthy dose of vitamins.

Onion

Aromatic and foundational, a finely chopped onion provides a subtle sweetness and depth, building the savory base for the entire dish.

Garlic

Fragrant and essential, fresh minced garlic brings a warm, pungent aroma and a delicious kick that complements the sausage and creamy sauce perfectly.

Spinach

Stirred in at the very end, fresh spinach wilts beautifully, adding a touch of vibrant green, freshness, and a powerful boost of nutrients.

Cherry Tomatoes

These little bursts of juicy sweetness add a lovely tang and freshness to the skillet, and they soften beautifully as they cook.

Chicken Broth

The essential liquid base that helps create a savory sauce and keeps everything moist and flavorful as it simmers.

Light Cream Cheese

This is the secret to our “creamy” without being overly heavy! Light cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a luscious, velvety sauce that’s both satisfying and healthier.

Italian Seasoning

A versatile blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that instantly infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean warmth.

Red Pepper Flakes

Optional, but a tiny pinch adds a subtle warmth and gentle heat, balancing the richness of the sauce and adding a little zing.

Olive Oil

Used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage, providing a healthy fat base for the flavors to develop.

Salt and Black Pepper

The fundamental seasonings to enhance and balance all the delicious components. Adjust to your taste!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a slight char on your sausage and vegetables. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.

Cook the Sausage

Add a drizzle of olive oil to the hot skillet. Slice the chicken sausage into rounds or half-moons and add them to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. This step creates a delicious char and releases savory flavors.

Sauté Vegetables

To the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight char. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a beautiful aromatic and colorful foundation.

Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazes the pan and incorporates all those delicious fond bits. Add the light cream cheese, stirring constantly until it has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes just begin to soften. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures everything is cooked through.

Finishing Touches

Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy! This dish is wonderful on its own, or you can pair it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a light whole wheat pasta. Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 calories, depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Healthy Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience: serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce, or alongside some simple steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for added freshness and nutrients. It’s also delicious on its own for a quick and satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe: feel free to use your favorite blend of bell peppers, or add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus. For an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce in the creamy sauce can be fantastic. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can use full-fat cream cheese, but the light version works beautifully. Ensure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably for even cooking.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use raw chicken sausage in this recipe?
2. What other vegetables can I add to this skillet?
3. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light?
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
5. How do I store leftovers of Healthy Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet?
6. Can I freeze this dish?
7. What kind of chicken sausage should I buy?
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
9. What if I don’t have bell peppers?
10. How can I make this dish spicier?

CONCLUSION

And there you have it, my friend! A recipe that’s more than just food it’s an experience, a cozy moment, a reason to gather and celebrate. I’m so excited for you to try this one and make it your own. Get cooking, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!

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