Ratatouille With Italian Chicken Sausage
A hearty Mediterranean-inspired vegetable and chicken sausage stew with rich tomato flavors, fragrant herbs, and a cheesy finish, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Italian chicken sausage
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large eggplant ⓘ
- 3 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 1 jumbo Spanish onion ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium red pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium yellow pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes in juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. sweet basil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut Italian chicken sausage into 1-inch chunks. Saute in 1/4 cup olive oil until lightly browned. Drain and set aside.
- Trim and wash eggplant, then slice. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Trim and wash zucchini, onions, and peppers. Slice.
- Saute peppers and onions in 1/4 cup olive oil until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add parsley, garlic, basil, dill, and 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt to the peppers and onions.
- Toss eggplant and zucchini with flour seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt.
- Dice tomatoes, reserving juices.
- Add tomatoes and juice to the sauteed peppers and onions.
- Add cooked sausage to the mixture.
- Add eggplant and zucchini. Mix thoroughly, but do not break up individual items.
- Simmer, stirring constantly, for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mashed.
- Blend in Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer about 10 minutes longer, being careful not to scorch.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ratatouille, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. If you don't have Italian chicken sausage, turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage can work well as substitutes. For a more robust flavor, try using fresh herbs like thyme instead of dried basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ratatouille With Italian Chicken Sausage with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. A simple green salad pairs beautifully with this dish, adding freshness. For a Mediterranean flair, consider serving it alongside Polly'S Chicken With Black Olives.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ratatouille With Italian Chicken Sausage contains roughly 271 calories, with 14g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2030mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this Ratatouille vegetarian by omitting the Italian chicken sausage and using additional vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What can I serve this dish with?
This Ratatouille pairs excellently with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over polenta, pasta, or with warm crusty bread. A glass of red wine, such as a Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Ratatouille, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the vegetables while sautéing. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).