Easy One-Pan Skillet Chicken Sausage and Cabbage: Quick, Healthy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate solution for busy weeknights with this incredibly quick, easy, and healthy Skillet Chicken Sausage and Cabbage recipe. Crafted with lean chicken sausage, crisp cabbage, and a thoughtful blend of dried spices, this flavorful sauté is designed to get a satisfying meal on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s not just a dinner; it’s a culinary triumph in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste, making it a perfect addition to your collection of one-pot meals.
As someone who appreciates efficiency without sacrificing flavor, I’m a huge advocate for skillet meals – especially during hectic weekdays when hunger strikes, and time is of the essence. This sausage and cabbage skillet meal stands out as a go-to option, ensuring you can whip up a delicious and nutritious dinner in what feels like no time at all, effectively preventing the dreaded “hangry” phase that often accompanies busy evenings.
My childhood kitchen often featured kielbasa sausage, and while it holds a nostalgic spot, I eventually sought lighter alternatives. That’s why lean chicken sausage has become my preferred choice for this simple skillet dinner. Its delicate flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the sautéed cabbage without overwhelming it. However, if you prefer, traditional kielbasa or turkey sausage can be substituted seamlessly into this recipe without requiring any other adjustments, allowing for ultimate flexibility to suit your taste and dietary needs.
If you’re looking for more inspired chicken sausage dinner ideas that are just as convenient and tasty, be sure to try our Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies for another minimal-effort meal, or dive into a comforting bowl of one-pot Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage. Each of these recipes is designed with ease and flavor in mind, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Meal
There are countless reasons why this chicken sausage and cabbage skillet will become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly spectacular that caters to a busy lifestyle.
- Unbeatable Speed: With just 10 minutes of active prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hot, homemade meal ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Minimal Cleanup: As a true one-pan wonder, this dish significantly reduces the number of pots and pans you’ll need to wash. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze – a major win for anyone who dislikes doing dishes!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken sausage and fiber-rich, nutrient-dense cabbage, this meal is inherently wholesome and satisfying. It’s also naturally low-carb, making it a fantastic option for various dietary preferences, including those focusing on lighter eating.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of savory, slightly sweet chicken sausage and tender-crisp, caramelized cabbage, infused with fragrant spices, creates a comforting yet vibrant flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy.
- Highly Customizable: This recipe serves as a perfect canvas for personalization. Easily add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice levels to your preference, or swap out the type of sausage to suit your palate or what you have on hand.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and sausage are typically affordable ingredients, making this a cost-effective meal solution for families and individuals looking to stretch their grocery budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Creation
You’ll be amazed at how a few core ingredients, plus some common pantry spices, can transform into such a satisfying dish. This recipe is designed to be a complete, low-carb meal as-is, but its versatility means it can also be served alongside other favorites like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even sweet sautéed apples for a delightful contrast. The beauty lies in its simplicity and accessibility.
- Chicken Sausage: My personal favorite for this recipe is the Aidell’s brand Chicken and Apple Sausage, which adds a lovely touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. However, any pre-cooked smoked chicken sausage, spicy andouille sausage, or classic kielbasa will work wonderfully and allow you to tailor the flavor profile. The key is using pre-cooked sausage to ensure the quick cooking time. If you opt for raw sausage, ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and browned before adding the cabbage.
- Cabbage: You’ll need about half a head of green cabbage, finely chopped or shredded for a quick stir-fry. Green cabbage is ideal as it becomes wonderfully tender and sweet when sautéed. Don’t let the other half go to waste; it’s perfect for making a fresh batch of classic coleslaw or adding to another meal!
- Olive Oil and/or Butter: A combination of 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil and a tablespoon of butter or ghee provides richness and helps to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear on your sausage and cabbage. The butter adds a lovely, nuanced depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is an indispensable aromatic here. Approximately 3 cloves will infuse the entire dish with an aromatic, savory essence that truly elevates the flavors. Add it towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and maximize its fragrant impact.
- Pantry Spices: A simple yet effective blend is all you need: 2 teaspoons of onion powder for an allium base without the moisture of fresh onions, a 1 pinch of mustard powder for a subtle tangy kick (optional but highly recommended for an added layer of complexity), and of course, essential salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to experiment with other complementary spices such as a touch of smoked paprika or caraway seeds for an even richer, more traditional profile.
Customize Your Skillet: Add More Veggies!
One of the best aspects of this skillet cabbage and sausage recipe is its incredible adaptability. It’s incredibly easy to incorporate additional vegetables, transforming it into an even more substantial and nutrient-dense meal. While adding extra veggies might slightly extend the cooking time, it’s a fantastic way to stretch your dinner, boost its nutritional value, and clean out your crisper drawer.
- Diced Onion: A classic addition to any sauté. Yellow or white onions will caramelize beautifully, adding a foundational sweetness and aroma to your dish. Sauté them with the sausage for a few minutes before adding the cabbage to allow them to soften.
- Bell Pepper: Introduce a vibrant pop of color and natural sweetness with sliced bell peppers. Red, orange, or yellow bell peppers are excellent choices and soften nicely, contributing a lovely texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the sausage and cabbage.
- Carrots: For an extra layer of crunch and sweetness, finely diced or shredded carrots are a welcome addition. They also bring a vibrant color and additional vitamins to the meal. You can add them with the cabbage.
- Diced Potatoes: Turn this into an even heartier, more filling meal by adding diced potatoes. Any type works well – russet, red, or sweet potatoes. For best results, consider par-boiling or pre-cooking the potatoes slightly before adding them to the skillet to ensure they cook through evenly with the other ingredients without extending the overall cooking time too much.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, such as cremini or button varieties, can add an earthy umami flavor and a wonderfully tender texture. Add them to the skillet along with the cabbage and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly.
- Spinach or Kale: For an extra dose of leafy greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale towards the very end of the cooking process. They wilt quickly into the hot skillet, adding a fresh, nutritious boost with minimal effort.
- Apple Slices: While often a side, thinly sliced apples can also be added directly to the skillet towards the end of cooking for a delightful sweet-savory twist, especially when using chicken apple sausage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Your Skillet Meal
Creating this delicious chicken sausage and cabbage skillet is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, flavorful outcome every time. Precision in timing and heat management is key to achieving that tender-crisp cabbage and perfectly browned sausage.
- Heat the Skillet: Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works beautifully for even heating and browning) over medium-high heat. Add your 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter (if using). Allow the butter to fully melt and the oil to shimmer, which indicates it’s hot enough to cook efficiently and begin browning.
- Brown the Sausage: Once the skillet is properly heated, add your sliced chicken sausage (cut into uniform ‘coins’ for even cooking). Sauté, flipping the sausage frequently with tongs or a spatula, for about 1-2 minutes. The goal here is to get some appealing color and slight crispness on the sausage, enhancing its savory flavor and texture.
- Add Cabbage and Spices: Introduce the chopped cabbage, onion powder, mustard powder (if using, for that subtle tang and depth), and a generous seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Ensure the ingredients are well mixed, coating the cabbage and sausage evenly with the spices.
- Sauté to Tenderness: Continue to sauté over medium-high heat for approximately 9-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. During this time, the cabbage will soften, release some of its moisture, and begin to caramelize, developing delicious browned edges. The sausage will also continue to brown and heat through completely.
- Finish with Garlic: In the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic. Sauté just until it becomes intensely fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish’s flavor. Its brief cook time at this stage ensures maximum aromatic impact without bitterness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Your flavorful, healthy, and satisfying Skillet Chicken Sausage and Cabbage is now ready to be served! Transfer directly from the skillet to plates, or garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This versatile skillet chicken sausage and cabbage dish is absolutely delicious and satisfying on its own, especially if you’re looking for a low-carb option. However, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a heartier, more complete meal. Here are some ideas to inspire your next dinner:
- Classic Comfort: Serve alongside a generous scoop of fluffy white rice, nutritious brown rice, or creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The starch provides a perfect, comforting counterpoint to the savory sausage and tender cabbage, soaking up all the delicious pan juices.
- Sweet & Savory Contrast: As mentioned, a side of gently sautéed apples makes for an unexpected yet incredibly delightful pairing. Their natural sweetness beautifully complements the savory and slightly tangy notes of the dish, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Bread Lovers’ Delight: A thick slice of warm, crusty bread, a soft dinner roll, or a piece of homemade cornbread is perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices left in the skillet, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
- Lighter Fare: For an even lighter meal, serve with a simple side salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet dish.
- Hearty Grain Bases: Consider serving over a bed of fluffy quinoa, creamy polenta, or even with a side of whole-wheat couscous to make the meal more substantial and introduce varied textures.
Storage and Reheating Best Practices
This dish makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Proper storage ensures your skillet cabbage and sausage remains delicious, safe, and ready for a quick meal later.
- To Store: Allow the cooked skillet meal to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This is crucial to prevent condensation and bacterial growth. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight storage container. It can be safely refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, making it a fantastic option for packed lunches or quick, convenient dinners later in the week.
- To Reheat: For the best results, gently reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl or on a plate until thoroughly warm. If you prefer to re-crisp the ingredients, especially the sausage and cabbage edges, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. To “wake up” the flavors and add a little moisture back (as cabbage can dry out slightly), a pinch of salt and a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth can be added during reheating. Stir occasionally until thoroughly heated through and fragrant. Avoid overheating to prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful skillet chicken sausage and cabbage, along with helpful answers to ensure your success in the kitchen:
Q: Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?
A: Yes, you certainly can, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. If using raw sausage (such as Italian sausage or bratwurst), you should slice it and brown it thoroughly in the skillet first until it’s fully cooked through and no pink remains. You might need to break it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, then proceed with sautéing the cabbage and other vegetables. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet during the last few minutes to heat through and meld with the flavors.
Q: What’s the best way to chop cabbage for this recipe?
A: For a quick sauté like this, I highly recommend finely chopping or shredding the cabbage. This ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, becoming tender-crisp in the specified time. You can achieve this using a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline for consistent, thin strips. The thinner it’s sliced, the faster it will cook and the more tender it will become, absorbing the flavors beautifully.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage alternative. Many excellent pre-cooked vegan sausages are available today. Ensure it’s also pre-cooked or follow the package instructions for proper cooking. For a fully vegan version, use plant-based sausage and substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a suitable vegan butter alternative.
Q: How can I add more spice to the dish?
A: If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding more spice is easy! Consider incorporating a generous pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other dry spices at the beginning of the cabbage sauté. Alternatively, choose a spicy chicken sausage (like a hot Italian chicken sausage or a spicy andouille) for built-in heat. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or Sriracha drizzled over the top just before serving can also instantly elevate the heat level to your liking.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: While the dish can technically be frozen, it’s worth noting that the texture of the cabbage might become softer and slightly less crisp upon thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze it, ensure the cooled leftovers are stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for the best results.
Simple Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Made in the Skillet
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cabbage head, chopped – green cabbage
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into coins – 4 sausage links. Can also use kielbasa, andouille or turkey sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee – for flavor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 pinch mustard powder – optional. Okay to omit if you don’t have on hand.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
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To a large skillet, add olive oil and butter (if using). Once hot add coined chicken sausage. Sautè, flipping sausage often, for about 1-2 minutes
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Add chopped cabbage, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt and pepper.
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Saute over medium-high heat about 9-10 minutes until cabbage is tender and sausage is browned.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
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Remove from heat, serve and enjoy.
Notes
STORAGE TIPS
- To Store. Refrigerate skillet cabbage and sausage in an airtight storage container for up to 5-days.
- To Reheat. Place leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl or on a plate and reheat gently in the microwave until warm. You can wake up your leftovers up by adding a pinch of salt and a splash of water after reheating.
nutrition info does not include sides
Nutrition
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