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Easy Johnsonville Sausage Recipes for Quick Flavorful Meals - Weeknight Favorites You’ll Make Again

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Johnsonville sausage: 1 pound. Use Italian, Mild, Hot, Smoked, or Chicken sausage. Links or ground both work.
  • Vegetables: 4–5 cups total. Good options: bell peppers, onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or frozen mixed veggies.
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small onion (sliced or diced), optional 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.
  • Carb base (choose one): 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini), 3 cups cooked rice, 4 cups diced potatoes, or 1 can drained cannellini beans.
  • Liquid: 1/2–1 cup chicken broth or water for steam and sauce.
  • Finishers: Olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and fresh herbs (parsley or basil).
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan, 1/4 cup cream or half-and-half (for a creamy version), or 1/2 cup marinara for a tomato base.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the basics: Slice sausage links into 1/2-inch rounds (or break up ground sausage). Chop vegetables into bite-size pieces. Mince garlic.
  • Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
  • Soften the veggies: Add onion and sturdier veg (like peppers, broccoli, zucchini) to the skillet. Cook 5–6 minutes until slightly tender. Add softer veg (mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes) and cook 2–3 minutes more.
  • Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and your seasoning. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Deglaze: Pour in 1/2 cup broth. Scrape up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor.
  • Bring it together: Return sausage to the skillet. Add your carb base (cooked pasta, rice, beans, or par-cooked potatoes). Toss to coat. Add more broth if you want it saucier.
  • Finish and season: Squeeze in a little lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper. For creamy or cheesy versions, stir in cream and/or Parmesan now and let it melt in.
  • Serve hot: Top with fresh herbs. Drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine if you like.
  • Creamy Sausage Pasta: Brown sausage, sauté garlic/onion, add 1/2 cup broth and 1/2 cup cream, simmer 2 minutes. Toss with cooked penne and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Add spinach until wilted.
  • Sausage and Potato Sheet Pan: Toss sliced sausage, diced potatoes, peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping once.
  • Breakfast Scramble: Brown sausage. Add peppers and onions. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Finish with cheddar and green onions.
  • Sausage Rice Bowl: Sauté sausage with broccoli and carrots. Stir in cooked rice and a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil. Add a fried egg on top.