Zucchini & Hot Sausage Supper
A hearty and flavorful zucchini and sausage skillet packed with smoky peppers, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines spicy sausage with tender vegetables and rice, creating a comforting dish that pairs well with crusty bread and appeals to those craving bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1-2 lb. hot sausage links, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 large onion, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 3 cups sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 2 jars La Russa green pepper in sauce ⓘ
- 1 jar La Russa roasted peppers ⓘ
- 2 cans Ro-tell chopped tomatoes with green chiles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup instant rice ⓘ
- 2 tbsp oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions in 2 tablespoons of oil until translucent.
- Add celery and cook for a few minutes.
- Add sausage links, cook until browned and drain excess fat.
- Put cooked mixture into a large pot.
- Add La Russa green pepper in sauce, La Russa roasted peppers, and chopped tomatoes with green chiles.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and instant rice to the pot.
- Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of hot sausage links. You can also substitute the zucchini with yellow squash or bell peppers if desired. If you're short on time, pre-sliced vegetables can save you some prep work. This dish is versatile and can easily be adapted for Easy Turkey Lasagna by using turkey sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is perfect on its own but pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a fun appetizer, serve alongside Pizza Appetizers or a side of baked garlic bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini & Hot Sausage Supper contains roughly 761 calories, with 20g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1610mg per serving (70% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Zucchini & Hot Sausage Supper can be made ahead of time. Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of instant rice?
If you prefer not to use instant rice, you can substitute it with regular long-grain rice. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Cook the rice separately according to package instructions and stir it in just before serving.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).