Sausage-Macaroni Skillet
A hearty sausage and vegetable skillet with pasta, rich tomato flavors, melty mozzarella, perfect for a comforting family dinner with a balance of savory and fresh tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain, rinse and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook sausage and green pepper until sausage is browned and pepper is tender; stir occasionally to break sausage into bits and brown evenly.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, pizza sauce, and salt.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Stir in sliced zucchini.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked macaroni. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes more.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting turkey sausage for Italian sausage. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. If you don't have shell macaroni, any pasta shape will work. Make sure to cook the zucchini just until tender to retain some crunch. This dish can be made ahead and is great for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage-Macaroni Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. It also pairs beautifully with Aunt Winkie'S Breakfast Casserole for a brunch spread. For a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage-Macaroni Skillet contains roughly 291 calories, with 21g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1947mg per serving (85% 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 use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time if using pre-cooked sausage, ensuring it's heated through before adding the other ingredients.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can easily be repurposed into a baked dish. Just transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden. This adds a nice texture and flavor, making it a fantastic second meal.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just ensure it’s cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which helps maintain its texture.
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).